The Intel Core i7 4790 processor, released in 2014, was a powerhouse in its time, boasting impressive specs and performance. However, with the rapid evolution of gaming technology, the question remains: is the i7 4790 still good for gaming? In this article, we’ll delve into the processor’s capabilities, compare it to modern alternatives, and explore its suitability for gaming.
Understanding the i7 4790 Processor
The Intel Core i7 4790 is a fourth-generation Haswell processor, built on the 22nm process. It features four cores, eight threads, and a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, with a maximum turbo boost frequency of 4.0 GHz. The processor also comes with 8 MB of cache memory and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 RAM.
Key Features and Specifications
- Cores: 4
- Threads: 8
- Base Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz
- Max Turbo Boost Frequency: 4.0 GHz
- Cache Memory: 8 MB
- RAM Support: Up to 32 GB DDR3
- TDP: 84W
Gaming Performance: Then and Now
When the i7 4790 was released, it was considered one of the best processors for gaming. However, the gaming landscape has changed significantly since then. Modern games require more processing power, and the i7 4790’s performance may not be as competitive as it once was.
Benchmarking the i7 4790
To assess the i7 4790’s gaming performance, we’ll look at some benchmark results from popular games. Keep in mind that these results are based on older games, as the i7 4790 may not be able to handle the latest titles.
| Game | Resolution | Frames Per Second (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | 1080p | 60-70 FPS |
| Battlefield 4 | 1080p | 80-90 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 1080p | 50-60 FPS |
As you can see, the i7 4790 delivered smooth performance in these games, with frame rates above 60 FPS. However, these results are based on older games, and the processor may struggle with more demanding titles.
Comparison to Modern Processors
To put the i7 4790’s performance into perspective, let’s compare it to some modern processors.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X vs. Intel Core i7 4790
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a popular mid-range processor that offers six cores, 12 threads, and a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz. Here’s a comparison of the two processors:
| Processor | Cores | Threads | Base Clock Speed | Max Turbo Boost Frequency |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | 6 | 12 | 3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Intel Core i7 4790 | 4 | 8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
The Ryzen 5 5600X offers more cores and threads, making it better suited for multitasking and content creation. However, the i7 4790’s higher single-thread performance may still make it a viable option for gaming.
Is the i7 4790 Still Good for Gaming?
While the i7 4790 is still a capable processor, its performance may not be as competitive as modern alternatives. However, it can still handle less demanding games and esports titles.
Games That Still Run Well on the i7 4790
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- Overwatch
- Apex Legends
- Fortnite
These games are less demanding and can still run smoothly on the i7 4790. However, more demanding titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The Witcher 3, and Cyberpunk 2077 may struggle to maintain high frame rates.
Upgrading from the i7 4790
If you’re looking to upgrade from the i7 4790, there are several options available. Here are a few recommendations:
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is a popular mid-range processor that offers excellent performance for gaming and content creation.
Intel Core i5 11600K
The Intel Core i5 11600K is a high-performance processor that offers six cores, 12 threads, and a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is a high-end processor that offers 16 cores, 32 threads, and a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz.
These processors offer significant performance upgrades over the i7 4790 and are well-suited for gaming and content creation.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i7 4790 is still a capable processor, but its performance may not be as competitive as modern alternatives. While it can still handle less demanding games and esports titles, more demanding titles may struggle to maintain high frame rates. If you’re looking to upgrade, consider the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, Intel Core i5 11600K, or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. These processors offer significant performance upgrades and are well-suited for gaming and content creation.
In conclusion, the i7 4790 is still good for gaming, but its performance is limited by its age and architecture. If you’re looking for a more future-proof option, consider upgrading to a modern processor.
Is the i7 4790 still a good processor for gaming in 2023?
The i7 4790, released in 2014, was a high-end processor in its time. Although it’s still a powerful CPU, its gaming performance may not be on par with modern processors. The i7 4790 can handle less demanding games at high frame rates, but it might struggle with more recent, graphics-intensive titles. If you’re looking for a processor that can handle the latest games at high settings, you might want to consider a more recent model.
That being said, if you’re playing older games or less demanding titles, the i7 4790 can still provide a smooth gaming experience. Additionally, if you’re on a budget and can find a good deal on this processor, it might be a viable option. However, if you’re looking for a future-proof gaming setup, you might want to consider a more modern processor.
How does the i7 4790 compare to newer Intel Core i7 processors?
The i7 4790 is significantly outdated compared to newer Intel Core i7 processors. Newer models, such as the i7 11700K or i7 12700K, offer improved performance, higher clock speeds, and more efficient architectures. These modern processors also support newer technologies like PCIe 4.0, DDR5 memory, and improved integrated graphics. If you’re looking for the best gaming performance, a newer processor is likely a better choice.
However, it’s worth noting that the i7 4790 still offers a high number of cores and threads, which can be beneficial for tasks like content creation, video editing, and streaming. If you’re looking for a processor for non-gaming tasks, the i7 4790 might still be a viable option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
Can the i7 4790 handle 4K gaming?
The i7 4790 can handle 4K gaming, but it might not be able to maintain high frame rates in demanding games. The processor’s integrated graphics, Intel HD Graphics 4600, are not powerful enough to handle 4K gaming on their own. However, if you pair the i7 4790 with a dedicated graphics card, you might be able to achieve smoother 4K gaming performance.
That being said, even with a dedicated graphics card, the i7 4790 might still struggle with 4K gaming in more demanding titles. If you’re looking for a processor that can handle 4K gaming at high frame rates, you might want to consider a more modern processor with improved integrated graphics or a more powerful dedicated graphics card.
Is the i7 4790 compatible with the latest motherboards?
The i7 4790 uses the LGA 1150 socket, which is an older socket type. While it’s still possible to find motherboards that support the LGA 1150 socket, they might not be compatible with the latest technologies like PCIe 4.0, DDR5 memory, or Wi-Fi 6. If you’re looking for a processor that can take advantage of the latest motherboard features, you might want to consider a more modern processor.
That being said, if you already have a motherboard that supports the LGA 1150 socket, the i7 4790 can still be a good option. Just make sure to check the motherboard’s specifications to ensure it supports the processor’s features and technologies.
How does the i7 4790 compare to AMD Ryzen processors?
The i7 4790 is an older processor, and its performance is not comparable to modern AMD Ryzen processors. AMD Ryzen processors, such as the Ryzen 9 5900X or Ryzen 7 5800X, offer improved performance, higher clock speeds, and more efficient architectures. These modern processors also support newer technologies like PCIe 4.0, DDR5 memory, and improved integrated graphics.
However, it’s worth noting that the i7 4790 still offers a high number of cores and threads, which can be beneficial for tasks like content creation, video editing, and streaming. If you’re looking for a processor for non-gaming tasks, the i7 4790 might still be a viable option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
Can the i7 4790 be overclocked?
Yes, the i7 4790 can be overclocked, but it might not be the best processor for extreme overclocking. The processor’s maximum turbo frequency is 4.0 GHz, and it’s possible to overclock it to around 4.5-4.7 GHz with a good cooling system. However, overclocking the i7 4790 might not result in significant performance gains, especially in gaming workloads.
That being said, if you’re looking to squeeze out some extra performance from the i7 4790, overclocking might be a viable option. Just make sure to invest in a good cooling system and monitor the processor’s temperatures to avoid overheating.
Is the i7 4790 still worth buying in 2023?
The i7 4790 is an older processor, and its value proposition is limited in 2023. While it’s still a powerful CPU, its gaming performance is not on par with modern processors. If you’re looking for a processor that can handle the latest games at high settings, you might want to consider a more recent model.
However, if you’re on a budget and can find a good deal on the i7 4790, it might still be a viable option for non-gaming tasks like content creation, video editing, and streaming. Additionally, if you’re looking for a processor for a specific use case, like a home server or a media center, the i7 4790 might still be a good choice.