The world of computer processors can be a complex and confusing place, especially for those who are new to the scene. With the constant evolution of technology, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of numbers and generations. One processor that often raises questions is the i5 4590. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this processor, exploring its generation, features, and performance.
Understanding Processor Generations
Before we dive into the specifics of the i5 4590, it’s essential to understand how processor generations work. Intel, the manufacturer of the i5 4590, uses a tick-tock model to release new processor generations. This model involves two stages:
- Tick: A new manufacturing process is introduced, which allows for smaller transistors and increased efficiency.
- Tock: A new microarchitecture is introduced, which provides improved performance and features.
Each generation is typically denoted by a code name, such as Haswell or Skylake. These code names often give clues about the processor’s features and performance.
The Haswell Generation
The i5 4590 is part of the Haswell generation, which was released in 2013. Haswell was a significant improvement over the previous Ivy Bridge generation, offering:
- Improved performance: Haswell processors provided a 10-15% increase in performance compared to Ivy Bridge.
- Increased efficiency: Haswell processors were designed to be more power-efficient, with a focus on reducing heat and power consumption.
- New features: Haswell introduced several new features, including support for DDR3L memory and improved graphics performance.
Key Features of the i5 4590
The i5 4590 is a mid-range processor that offers a balance of performance and affordability. Some of its key features include:
- Quad-core design: The i5 4590 has four processing cores, which provide improved multitasking and performance.
- 3.3 GHz base clock speed: The i5 4590 has a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz, which can be boosted to 3.7 GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology.
- 6 MB cache: The i5 4590 has a 6 MB cache, which provides improved performance and reduced latency.
- Intel HD 4600 graphics: The i5 4590 features Intel’s HD 4600 graphics, which provide improved graphics performance and support for 4K resolutions.
Performance and Benchmarks
The i5 4590 is a capable processor that offers excellent performance for its price. In benchmarks, the i5 4590 has been shown to:
- Outperform the i5 3570: The i5 4590 has been shown to outperform the i5 3570, a popular processor from the Ivy Bridge generation.
- Compete with the i7 4770: The i5 4590 has been shown to compete with the i7 4770, a high-end processor from the Haswell generation.
Gaming Performance
The i5 4590 is a popular choice among gamers, thanks to its excellent performance and affordability. In gaming benchmarks, the i5 4590 has been shown to:
- Provide smooth performance: The i5 4590 has been shown to provide smooth performance in popular games, including Fortnite and League of Legends.
- Support 4K resolutions: The i5 4590’s Intel HD 4600 graphics provide support for 4K resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want to play at high resolutions.
Overclocking and Upgrade Options
The i5 4590 is a popular choice among overclockers, thanks to its excellent performance and affordability. The processor can be overclocked using Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), which provides a range of options for tweaking the processor’s performance.
In terms of upgrade options, the i5 4590 is compatible with a range of motherboards, including those from popular manufacturers like ASUS and MSI. The processor is also compatible with a range of RAM types, including DDR3 and DDR3L.
Conclusion
The i5 4590 is a capable processor that offers excellent performance and affordability. As part of the Haswell generation, the i5 4590 provides improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations. With its quad-core design, 3.3 GHz base clock speed, and 6 MB cache, the i5 4590 is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who want a balance of performance and affordability.
Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, the i5 4590 is definitely worth considering. With its excellent performance, affordability, and range of upgrade options, the i5 4590 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and powerful processor.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the i5 4590 is a processor that offers excellent performance and affordability. As part of the Haswell generation, the i5 4590 provides improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations. With its quad-core design, 3.3 GHz base clock speed, and 6 MB cache, the i5 4590 is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who want a balance of performance and affordability.
Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, the i5 4590 is definitely worth considering. With its excellent performance, affordability, and range of upgrade options, the i5 4590 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and powerful processor.
| Specification | i5 4590 |
|---|---|
| Generation | Haswell |
| Cores/Threads | 4/4 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.3 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 3.7 GHz |
| Cache | 6 MB |
| Graphics | Intel HD 4600 |
By understanding the i5 4590’s generation, features, and performance, you can make an informed decision about whether this processor is right for you.
What is the generation of the i5 4590 processor?
The i5 4590 processor is part of the 4th generation of Intel Core processors, which is also known as the Haswell generation. This generation of processors was released in 2013 and brought several improvements over the previous generation, including better performance, power efficiency, and new features such as improved graphics processing and support for faster memory. The i5 4590 is a mid-range processor in the Haswell lineup, offering a good balance between performance and power consumption.
In terms of specific features, the i5 4590 has a clock speed of 3.3 GHz, with a turbo boost speed of up to 3.7 GHz. It also has 4 cores and 4 threads, with a cache size of 6 MB. The processor supports DDR3 memory and has a maximum memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. Overall, the i5 4590 is a capable processor that is well-suited for a variety of tasks, including gaming, video editing, and general productivity. Its 4th generation architecture provides a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making it a popular choice for many users.
How does the i5 4590 compare to other processors in the Haswell generation?
The i5 4590 is a mid-range processor in the Haswell generation, and it compares favorably to other processors in the lineup. For example, it has a higher clock speed than the i5 4460, but a lower clock speed than the i7 4790. In terms of performance, the i5 4590 is well-suited for gaming and other demanding tasks, but it may not be the best choice for extremely demanding workloads such as video editing or 3D modeling. The processor’s power consumption is also relatively low, with a TDP of 84W, making it a good choice for users who want to build a powerful but efficient system.
In terms of specific benchmarks, the i5 4590 performs well in a variety of tests, including CPU-intensive benchmarks such as Cinebench and Geekbench. It also performs well in gaming benchmarks, such as 3DMark and Unigine Heaven. However, it may not be the best choice for users who need extreme performance, such as gamers who want to play at very high resolutions or frame rates. Overall, the i5 4590 is a solid choice for users who want a balanced system that can handle a variety of tasks, but it may not be the best choice for users who need extreme performance.
What are the key features of the i5 4590 processor?
The i5 4590 processor has several key features that make it a popular choice for many users. For example, it has a high clock speed of 3.3 GHz, with a turbo boost speed of up to 3.7 GHz. This provides a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making it well-suited for a variety of tasks. The processor also has 4 cores and 4 threads, with a cache size of 6 MB. This provides a good amount of processing power and memory bandwidth, making it well-suited for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing.
In addition to its processing power, the i5 4590 also has several other features that make it a popular choice. For example, it supports DDR3 memory, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. It also has a relatively low power consumption, with a TDP of 84W. This makes it a good choice for users who want to build a powerful but efficient system. Overall, the i5 4590 is a well-rounded processor that offers a good balance between performance, power efficiency, and features, making it a popular choice for many users.
Is the i5 4590 processor still relevant today?
The i5 4590 processor is still a relevant choice for many users today, despite being released several years ago. This is because it still offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making it well-suited for a variety of tasks. For example, it is still a popular choice for gaming, video editing, and general productivity. Additionally, the processor’s relatively low power consumption makes it a good choice for users who want to build a powerful but efficient system.
However, it’s worth noting that the i5 4590 is not the most powerful processor available today. Newer processors, such as those in the 10th and 11th generations, offer significantly better performance and features. For example, they have higher clock speeds, more cores and threads, and support for faster memory and storage. Additionally, newer processors often have better power efficiency and lower power consumption, making them a better choice for users who want to build a powerful and efficient system. Overall, while the i5 4590 is still a relevant choice, it may not be the best choice for users who need extreme performance or the latest features.
Can the i5 4590 processor be overclocked?
The i5 4590 processor can be overclocked, but it may require some effort and expertise. The processor has a relatively high clock speed of 3.3 GHz, but it can be overclocked to even higher speeds with the right hardware and software. For example, some users have reported overclocking the i5 4590 to speeds of up to 4.5 GHz or more, although this may require a high-quality cooling system and a motherboard that supports overclocking.
However, it’s worth noting that overclocking the i5 4590 can be challenging, and it may not be the best choice for all users. Overclocking can increase the processor’s power consumption and heat generation, which can reduce its lifespan and increase the risk of damage. Additionally, overclocking may require a significant amount of expertise and specialized hardware, such as a high-quality cooling system and a motherboard that supports overclocking. Overall, while the i5 4590 can be overclocked, it’s not necessarily the best choice for all users, and it’s important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before attempting to overclock the processor.
What are the benefits of using an i5 4590 processor?
The i5 4590 processor offers several benefits, including good performance, power efficiency, and features. For example, it has a high clock speed of 3.3 GHz, with a turbo boost speed of up to 3.7 GHz, making it well-suited for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The processor also has 4 cores and 4 threads, with a cache size of 6 MB, providing a good amount of processing power and memory bandwidth. Additionally, the processor’s relatively low power consumption, with a TDP of 84W, makes it a good choice for users who want to build a powerful but efficient system.
In terms of specific benefits, the i5 4590 is a good choice for users who want a balanced system that can handle a variety of tasks. For example, it is well-suited for gaming, video editing, and general productivity, and it can also handle more demanding tasks such as 3D modeling and video rendering. Additionally, the processor’s power efficiency and relatively low cost make it a good choice for users who want to build a powerful but affordable system. Overall, the i5 4590 is a well-rounded processor that offers a good balance between performance, power efficiency, and features, making it a popular choice for many users.
What are the limitations of the i5 4590 processor?
The i5 4590 processor has several limitations, including its relatively low clock speed and limited number of cores and threads. For example, it has a clock speed of 3.3 GHz, with a turbo boost speed of up to 3.7 GHz, which is relatively low compared to newer processors. Additionally, the processor has only 4 cores and 4 threads, which can limit its performance in heavily multithreaded workloads. The processor’s cache size of 6 MB is also relatively small, which can limit its performance in applications that rely heavily on cache memory.
In terms of specific limitations, the i5 4590 may not be the best choice for users who need extreme performance or the latest features. For example, it may not be able to handle extremely demanding workloads such as 3D modeling or video rendering, and it may not support the latest features such as PCIe 4.0 or Wi-Fi 6. Additionally, the processor’s relatively low power efficiency and limited overclocking headroom may limit its appeal to users who want to build a powerful and efficient system. Overall, while the i5 4590 is still a capable processor, it has several limitations that may make it less appealing to some users.