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 i5-4590 vs Core i7-3770T 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 i5-4590 vs Core i7-3770T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $86 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).
✅Delivers 44.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,376 vs 5,403).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Core i7-3770T

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.4 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($278 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770T better than Core i5-4590?

Yes. Core i7-3770T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.4% 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 i7-3770T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% 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 i7-3770T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3770T comes in 44.8% more expensive on MSRP at $278 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 44.1% better value on paper (28.0 vs 19.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4590 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590 vs Core i7-3770T Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590

The Core i5-4590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $202.

Core i7-3770T

The Core i7-3770T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,403 points. Launch price was $330.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3770T's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3770T — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-4590 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3770T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the Core i7-3770T's 5,403 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3770T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,100 vs 850, a 25.6% lead for the Core i5-4590 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770T.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-3770T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+32%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,376	5,403
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100+29%	850
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,859

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3770T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i7-3770T).

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-3770T
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590) vs Yes (Core i7-3770T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3770T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-3770T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590 was priced at $192, while the Core i7-3770T came in at $278. On launch pricing ($192 vs $278), Core i5-4590 was $86 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590 delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 19.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-3770T — making the Core i5-4590 the 36.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-3770T
MSRP	$192-31%	$278
Performance per Dollar	28.0+44%	19.4
Release Date	2014	2012

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