Core i5-10200H vs Core i7-4790K

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-10200H vs Core i7-4790K FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-10200H vs Core i7-4790K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-10200H

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 88W, a 43W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,997 vs 8,063).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-4790K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $350 MSRP, while Core i5-10200H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌95.6% higher power demand at 88W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790K better than Core i5-10200H?

Yes. Core i7-4790K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4790K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4790K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-4790K is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $350 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-10200H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-10200H vs Core i7-4790K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-10200H

The Core i5-10200H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,997 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-4790K

The Core i7-4790K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Devil's Canyon architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,063 points. Launch price was $339.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-10200H and Core i7-4790K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-10200H versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-4790K — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790K (base: 2.4 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i5-10200H uses the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4790K uses Devil's Canyon (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10200H scores 7,997 against the Core i7-4790K's 8,063 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-4790K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-10200H vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790K.

Feature	Core i5-10200H	Core i7-4790K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.4 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	4 GHz+67%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-H (2020)	Devil's Canyon
PassMark	7,997	8,063
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,372	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,300	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,392	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10200H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4790K uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i5-10200H versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-4790K — the Core i5-10200H supports 83.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10200H supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 400 Series,Intel 500 Series (Core i5-10200H) and Intel 8 series,Intel 9 series (Core i7-4790K).

Feature	Core i5-10200H	Core i7-4790K
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933+83%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i5-10200H) / not specified (Core i7-4790K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i5-10200H) and Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4790K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU.