Core i5-4590 vs Core i7-4712HQ

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 i7-4712HQ 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 i7-4712HQ: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-4712HQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4712HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $192 MSRP, while Core i7-4712HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌127% higher power demand at 84W vs 37W.

Core i7-4712HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 37W instead of 84W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,350 vs 5,376).
❌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 i7-4712HQ?

Yes. Core i5-4590 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% 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 i5-4590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 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 at an unclear MSRP at $192 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4712HQ is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-4590 vs Core i7-4712HQ 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 i7-4712HQ

The Core i7-4712HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,350 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4712HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4712HQ — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-4590 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4712HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the Core i7-4712HQ's 5,350 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-4590. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4712HQ.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-4712HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+12%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+43%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,376	5,350
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 i7-4712HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i7-4712HQ
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1364
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 i7-4712HQ). The Core i5-4590 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-4712HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.