Core i5-4590 vs Core i7-4700MQ

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 i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $191 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Delivers 100.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-4700MQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700MQ across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Core i7-4700MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,349 vs 5,376).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590 better than Core i7-4700MQ?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4700MQ is ahead with a 5.0% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4590 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4590 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4590 comes in $191 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $383 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-4700MQ is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.0% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.5% better value on MSRP (28.0 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4590 vs Core i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ

The Core i7-4700MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,349 points. Launch price was $288.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4700MQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the Core i7-4700MQ's 5,349 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-4590. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-4700MQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+9%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+38%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	5,376	5,349
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4700MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-4700MQ
Socket	LGA1150	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590) / not specified (Core i7-4700MQ). The Core i5-4590 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-4700MQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-4700MQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590 was priced at $192, while the Core i7-4700MQ came in at $383. On launch pricing ($192 vs $383), Core i5-4590 was $191 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590 delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-4700MQ — making the Core i5-4590 the 66.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-4700MQ
MSRP	$192-50%	$383
Performance per Dollar	28.0+100%	14.0
Release Date	2014	2013

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