The Intel Core i5 4690K is a processor that was released several years ago, but it still remains a popular choice among gamers and PC enthusiasts. With its high clock speed and overclocking capabilities, it’s no wonder why many people are still considering this processor for their gaming needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Intel i5 4690K and determine if it’s still a good choice for gaming.
Introduction to the Intel i5 4690K
The Intel Core i5 4690K is a desktop processor that was released in 2014 as part of the Haswell refresh lineup. It’s a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a turbo boost speed of up to 3.9 GHz. The “K” suffix in the processor’s name indicates that it’s an unlocked processor, which means it can be overclocked to achieve even higher clock speeds. The Intel i5 4690K also features 6 MB of cache memory and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 memory.
Key Features and Specifications
The Intel i5 4690K has several key features that make it a popular choice among gamers. Some of its key specifications include:
The processor’s high clock speed and overclocking capabilities make it well-suited for gaming and other demanding applications. Additionally, the processor’s support for DDR3 memory and its high cache memory make it a good choice for systems that require a lot of memory bandwidth.
Overclocking Capabilities
One of the main advantages of the Intel i5 4690K is its overclocking capabilities. The processor’s unlocked multiplier allows users to increase the clock speed beyond the default 3.5 GHz. With the right cooling system and motherboard, it’s possible to overclock the processor to speeds of up to 4.5 GHz or more. This makes the Intel i5 4690K a good choice for gamers who want to squeeze every last bit of performance out of their system.
Gaming Performance
So, how does the Intel i5 4690K perform in games? The answer is, it performs very well. The processor’s high clock speed and overclocking capabilities make it well-suited for demanding games. In fact, the Intel i5 4690K is still considered one of the best processors for gaming, even several years after its release.
Benchmark Results
In benchmark tests, the Intel i5 4690K has consistently shown high frame rates and low latency. For example, in the popular game Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the Intel i5 4690K is able to achieve frame rates of up to 60 FPS at 1080p resolution. Similarly, in the game Fortnite, the processor is able to achieve frame rates of up to 80 FPS at 1080p resolution.
Comparison to Other Processors
The Intel i5 4690K is often compared to other processors in its class, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X. While the Ryzen 5 1600X has a higher number of cores and threads, the Intel i5 4690K has a higher clock speed and better single-threaded performance. This makes the Intel i5 4690K a better choice for games that rely heavily on single-threaded performance, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Before purchasing the Intel i5 4690K, it’s essential to consider the system requirements and compatibility. The processor requires a motherboard with an LGA 1150 socket and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 memory. Additionally, the processor requires a 65W or higher power supply and a compatible cooling system.
Motherboard Compatibility
The Intel i5 4690K is compatible with a wide range of motherboards, including those from popular manufacturers such as ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte. However, it’s essential to check the motherboard’s specifications before purchasing to ensure that it supports the processor’s overclocking capabilities and has the necessary features, such as USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s.
Cooling System Requirements
The Intel i5 4690K requires a compatible cooling system to operate at its optimal temperature. The processor’s TDP is 88W, which means it requires a cooling system that can dissipate at least 88W of heat. This can be achieved with a high-quality air cooler or a liquid cooling system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel i5 4690K is still a good choice for gaming, even several years after its release. The processor’s high clock speed and overclocking capabilities make it well-suited for demanding games, and its support for DDR3 memory and high cache memory make it a good choice for systems that require a lot of memory bandwidth. While the processor may not be the best choice for games that rely heavily on multi-threaded performance, it’s still a great option for games that rely on single-threaded performance.
The following table summarizes the key specifications and features of the Intel i5 4690K:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Clock Speed | 3.5 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Speed | Up to 3.9 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 4 |
| Number of Threads | 4 |
| Cache Memory | 6 MB |
| Memory Support | Up to 32 GB DDR3 |
Overall, the Intel i5 4690K is a great choice for gamers who want a high-performance processor that can handle demanding games. While it may not be the best choice for everyone, it’s still a great option for those who want a reliable and high-performance processor.
Is the Intel i5 4690K still a good CPU for gaming in 2024?
The Intel i5 4690K, released in 2014, was a powerful CPU for its time, offering excellent performance for gaming and other resource-intensive tasks. Although it is an older model, the i5 4690K can still handle modern games, especially those that are not extremely demanding. However, its performance may not be on par with newer CPUs, and it might struggle with games that require multiple cores and high clock speeds. The i5 4690K has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 3.9 GHz, which is still respectable but not as high as some of the newer CPUs available.
In terms of gaming performance, the i5 4690K can still provide smooth gameplay at high settings for less demanding games. However, for more demanding games, it may require reducing the graphics settings to achieve a smooth framerate. Additionally, the i5 4690K is an unlocked CPU, which means it can be overclocked to improve its performance. With proper cooling and overclocking, the i5 4690K can still offer competitive performance for gaming. Nevertheless, if you are looking for the best possible gaming performance, a newer CPU with more cores and higher clock speeds may be a better option.
How does the Intel i5 4690K compare to newer Intel Core i5 CPUs?
The Intel i5 4690K is significantly older than the newer Intel Core i5 CPUs, which offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features. Newer Intel Core i5 CPUs, such as the i5 11600K or i5 12600K, have more cores and threads, higher clock speeds, and improved architectures, making them better suited for modern gaming and content creation. Additionally, newer CPUs often come with integrated graphics, improved PCIe support, and enhanced security features. In comparison, the i5 4690K has 4 cores and 4 threads, which is less than many modern CPUs.
Despite being an older model, the i5 4690K still has its strengths, such as its overclocking capabilities and relatively low power consumption. However, for most users, a newer Intel Core i5 CPU would be a better choice, offering improved performance, features, and support for the latest technologies. If you are looking to upgrade from an i5 4690K, a newer CPU would likely provide a noticeable improvement in gaming and overall system performance. Nevertheless, if you are on a budget or already have an i5 4690K, it can still provide good performance for less demanding tasks and games.
Can the Intel i5 4690K handle 4K gaming?
The Intel i5 4690K can handle 4K gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the game and graphics settings. For less demanding games, the i5 4690K can provide smooth gameplay at 4K resolutions, but for more demanding games, it may struggle to maintain a high framerate. Additionally, 4K gaming often requires a powerful graphics card, and the i5 4690K’s performance may be limited by its relatively low number of cores and threads. To achieve smooth 4K gameplay, you may need to reduce the graphics settings or use a more powerful graphics card.
In general, the i5 4690K is better suited for 1080p or 1440p gaming, where it can provide high framerates and smooth gameplay. For 4K gaming, a more powerful CPU with more cores and higher clock speeds would be recommended. However, if you already have an i5 4690K and a powerful graphics card, you can still try 4K gaming and adjust the settings to achieve the best possible performance. Keep in mind that the i5 4690K is an older CPU, and its performance may not be on par with newer CPUs, especially for demanding tasks like 4K gaming.
Is the Intel i5 4690K compatible with the latest motherboards?
The Intel i5 4690K is compatible with motherboards that support the LGA 1150 socket and the Z97 or H97 chipset. However, it may not be compatible with the latest motherboards that support newer CPUs and chipsets. The latest motherboards often have features like Wi-Fi 6, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and high-speed storage, which may not be supported by the i5 4690K. Additionally, some newer motherboards may not have the LGA 1150 socket, making them incompatible with the i5 4690K.
If you are looking to upgrade your motherboard, you may need to consider a newer CPU that is compatible with the latest motherboards. However, if you already have a motherboard that supports the i5 4690K, you can still use it and take advantage of its features. Keep in mind that the i5 4690K is an older CPU, and its compatibility with newer motherboards and features may be limited. Before upgrading your motherboard, make sure to check its compatibility with the i5 4690K and consider the benefits and limitations of using an older CPU.
How does the Intel i5 4690K perform for content creation and video editing?
The Intel i5 4690K can perform well for content creation and video editing, especially for less demanding tasks like photo editing and video rendering. However, for more demanding tasks like 4K video editing and 3D modeling, the i5 4690K may struggle to provide the necessary performance. The i5 4690K has 4 cores and 4 threads, which is less than many modern CPUs, and its clock speeds, although high, may not be enough to handle the most demanding content creation tasks.
For content creators and video editors, a more powerful CPU with more cores and threads would be recommended. Newer CPUs like the i9 11900K or i9 12900K offer improved performance, features, and support for the latest technologies, making them better suited for demanding content creation tasks. However, if you are on a budget or already have an i5 4690K, it can still provide good performance for less demanding tasks. Additionally, the i5 4690K can be overclocked to improve its performance, making it a viable option for content creators and video editors who need a balance between performance and affordability.
Can the Intel i5 4690K be overclocked for improved gaming performance?
The Intel i5 4690K is an unlocked CPU, which means it can be overclocked to improve its performance. Overclocking the i5 4690K can provide a significant boost in gaming performance, especially for games that rely heavily on CPU performance. However, overclocking requires proper cooling, a compatible motherboard, and careful tweaking of the CPU settings to avoid overheating and instability. With proper overclocking, the i5 4690K can reach high clock speeds, making it a viable option for gamers who need improved performance.
To overclock the i5 4690K, you will need a compatible motherboard with a good power delivery system, a high-quality CPU cooler, and overclocking software like Intel Extreme Tuning Utility. Additionally, you will need to monitor the CPU temperature and adjust the settings carefully to avoid overheating and instability. With careful overclocking, the i5 4690K can provide improved gaming performance, making it a good option for gamers who want to squeeze more performance out of their CPU. However, keep in mind that overclocking can also reduce the CPU’s lifespan and void its warranty, so it should be done with caution and careful consideration.