OVERALL

ALTERNATIVES

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

Intel Core i7-4770 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£35PassMark multi-core score:7067N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:3.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA1150TDP (Thermal design power):84 W

Intel Core i7-4770 Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-4770

6.6/10

▼Worse than 52% of processors

7.6

▲Better than 65%

4.6

▼Worse than 69%

8.1

▲Better than 78%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

3.4
Gaming
Gaming
3.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
3.7
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
3.5
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
4.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.8
L3 cache
8.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
3.2
Video editing
Video editing
3.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
3.5
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
20.0%
4.4
CPU threads
15.0%
1.8
L3 cache

Where to buy

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-4770

Based on 2 · 3

Reviewers agree it stays efficient and cool, keeping power use and heat comfortably under control.

Praised

Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-4770

Based on 64 owners sharing their experience in online comments

75%positive13%mixed12%negative

Owners value its lasting gaming performance, though it can struggle with demanding newer games and run hot.

What owners like

Runs a wide range of games well24
Many owners still game on it years after buying, pairing it with newer GPUs like GTX 1060, 1660 or 2060 and reporting smooth play.16
Owners report no real problems over several years of use, with the stock cooler keeping temperatures in a good range.6
Owners say swapping in a stronger graphics card, such as a GTX 1660 Super, RTX 2070 or RTX 3070, gives a clear gaming boost on this CPU.5
Owners get a capable gaming PC cheaply by buying a used Dell or Optiplex with this chip and adding a budget GPU like an RX 580 or GTX 1070.4
Owners upgrading from older Intel chips like the i5-3470 or Sandy/Ivy Bridge models say frame rates in games roughly tripled or jumped noticeably.3
Owners overclock it to around 4.5 GHz or 4.8 GHz, or run it at 3.8 GHz, and report strong results in benchmarks and games.3
Owners keep it cool with a decent cooler and good thermal paste, with some reporting temperatures around 40 to 72 degrees under load.3

What owners dislike

In newer or demanding games, such as Battlefield or Cyberpunk, owners see low 1% lows and frame drops, with the CPU holding back faster GPUs.8
Owners report temperatures near 85 to 88 degrees under gaming load, and some run it hot enough to fail, so a better cooler matters.4
Owners with cards like an RTX 2060 Super or RX 6700 XT find the CPU at 100% load while the GPU sits well below full use, causing bottlenecks.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Processors model ranking

Ranked #158 of 558 models in Processors (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-4770

6.6

Show more

Hide

Platform

7.3

Show more

Hide

Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

Instruction sets

Show more

Performance

4.2

Show more

Hide

N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

Show more

Architecture

4.1

Show more

Hide

Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

Show more

Memory & PCIe

4.5

Show more

Hide

DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

Show more

Integrated graphics

6.3

Show more

Hide

Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

Show more

Power & Thermal

7.0

Show more

Hide

TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

?

Tau (power duration limit)

Configurable TDP

Show more

What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-4770 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7-4770 better than the average processor?

Show more

Hide

Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
27.28 °C lower CPU temperature
This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (72.7 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
72.72 °C vs 100 °C
Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
20.9% higher review score
Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
80%
8.0
Average grade
20%
8.2
Popularity
Grades by review (5)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.1 vs 6.7
23.6% higher sentiment score
8.9 vs 7.2
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i7-4770 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250
8.1% more L3 per core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core

20.9% higher review score
Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
80%
8.0
Average grade
20%
8.2
Popularity
Grades by review (5)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.1 vs 6.7
23.6% higher sentiment score
8.9 vs 7.2
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i7-4770 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250

8.1% more L3 per core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core

Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.

Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
27.28 °C lower CPU temperature
This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (72.7 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
72.72 °C vs 100 °C

Why is Intel Core i7-4770 worse than the average processor?

Show more

Hide

42.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (280 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
280 vs 490
83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
38.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,067 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
7,067 vs 11,469
11.4% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
86.7% higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (84 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
84 W vs 45 W

Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
7 years older release date
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2013 vs 2020).
June 2013
2013 vs 2020
More limited crypto acceleration
This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
AES vs AES, SHA
Older TPM support
This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2).
TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2.0

42.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (280 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
280 vs 490
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
11.4% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
38.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,067 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
7,067 vs 11,469
21.2% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,209 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
1,209 vs 1,535
15.1% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,171 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
2,171 vs 2,558
26.8% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,812 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
3,812 vs 5,209
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s

83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
66.7% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
1 MB vs 3 MB
50% less L2 per core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
Less advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
Haswell vs Kaby Lake
33.3% smaller L1 cache
This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
256 KB vs 384 KB
71.7% fewer transistors
This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion
Less advanced foundry
This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm

50% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
45.4% lower memory bandwidth
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Older DDR support
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
DDR3 vs DDR4
Lower JEDEC memory speed
This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR3-1,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
Limited PCIe bifurcation
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
50% less memory capacity
This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
32 GB vs 64 GB

Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)

No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
86.7% higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (84 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
84 W vs 45 W
86.7% higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (84 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
84 W vs 45 W
20 seconds shorter turbo duration
This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
8 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0

Mike21Daisu

≈ estimated

31/08/2024

Gaming benchmarks · 9 games tested at 1080p

Verdict

Intel Core i7-4770 is still surprisingly capable for 1080p gaming, with most titles running smoothly above 60 FPS.

7.0

RandomGaminginHD

≈ estimated

24/11/2020

Hands-on comparison · gaming benchmarks at 1080p and 4K

Verdict

Intel Core i7-4770 is still a decent buy on a tight budget, but it struggles in demanding 1080p games.

Not graded

Not graded

Hands-on video, no verdict

Hands-on video, no verdict

Hands-on video, no verdict

Not graded

Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0

servethehome.com

≈ estimated

01/06/2013

Intel Core i7-4770 Review and Benchmarks Haswell Retail Unleashed

Early benchmark · Haswell CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4770 is a strong Haswell upgrade for LGA1156 owners, with clear speed gains in Cinebench and 7-Zip, but not worth it for Sandy Bridge owners.

9.0

chip.de

≈ estimated

13/01/2014

Intel Core i7-4770 (Desktop Processor) Review - CHIP

Test verdict · Desktop CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4770 is a fast quad-core Haswell chip, with a 3.4GHz base clock, 3.9GHz turbo, and solid built-in graphics for mainstream desktop PCs.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-4770

Reliable performance for everyday productivity, office tasks, and web browsing
Efficient multi-threading with 4 cores and 8 threads, making it suitable for home virtualization labs
Low power consumption with an 84W TDP, often running cooler than expected for its generation
Capable of light to medium gaming when paired with a decent budget graphics card like an RX 580
Solid legacy support for instruction sets like AVX2 and VT-d virtualization

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-4770

Aging architecture that is becoming increasingly obsolete for modern, high-demand software
Locked multiplier prevents performance tuning and overclocking, unlike the 'K' variant
Limited to slower DDR3 memory, which lacks the speed and efficiency of modern DDR4 or DDR5
Small L3 cache (8MB) compared to newer processors leads to slower data processing in complex tasks
Requires an older LGA1150 socket motherboard, limiting future upgrade paths

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4770 is a 4th-generation 'Haswell' quad-core desktop processor featuring 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, a 3.40 GHz base clock, and a 3.90 GHz max turbo frequency. Built on a 22nm process with an 84W TDP, it includes 8 MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports up to 32 GB of DDR3-1600 memory, and utilizes the LGA 1150 socket. Its main pros include reliable multi-threading for productivity, a built-in Intel HD Graphics 4600 core with Quick Sync for media encoding, and continued capability for light 1080p gaming in legacy systems. However, its main cons are its locked multiplier which prevents overclocking, a dependency on outdated DDR3 RAM, and significant performance bottlenecks when paired with modern, high-end software or games.

Best alternatives

Intel Core i7-2700K

Processors

Intel Core i5-4670K

Processors

Intel Core i7-3770

Processors

Intel Core i5-4690K

Processors

Processors

Intel Core i5-7600T

Processors

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE

Processors

Intel Core i7-4770T

Processors

Intel Pentium Gold G5420T

Processors

Intel Core i3-4130

Processors

AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE

Processors

Intel Core i5-3450S

Processors

See best alternatives in Buying Guide

Compare Intel Core i7-4770 with other processors

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7-4770 and other processors

No results found