Core i5-4590 vs MediaTek Kompanio 838

Intel

Core i5-4590

4 Cores4 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS

MediaTek Kompanio 838

8 Cores8 ThrdWMax: 2.2 GHz2024
Similar parts
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Core i5-4590 vs MediaTek Kompanio 838 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 MediaTek Kompanio 838 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 MediaTek Kompanio 838: 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

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while MediaTek Kompanio 838 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike MediaTek Kompanio 838.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than MediaTek Kompanio 838 across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Launch MSRP is still $192 MSRP, while MediaTek Kompanio 838 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

MediaTek Kompanio 838

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,343 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 MediaTek Kompanio 838?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, MediaTek Kompanio 838 is ahead with a 8.9% 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 0.6% 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 0.6% 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 $192 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that MediaTek Kompanio 838 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.9% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
MediaTek Kompanio 838 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590 vs MediaTek Kompanio 838 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

MediaTek Kompanio 838

The MediaTek Kompanio 838 is manufactured by an unknown manufacturer. It was released in 31 May 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Cortex-A78 / A55 (2022−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,343 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4590 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the MediaTek Kompanio 838 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the MediaTek Kompanio 838 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 2.2 GHz on the MediaTek Kompanio 838 — a 50.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-4590 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the MediaTek Kompanio 838 uses Cortex-A78 / A55 (2022−2024). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the MediaTek Kompanio 838's 5,343 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-4590.

FeatureCore i5-4590MediaTek Kompanio 838
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+68%
2.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+65%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Cortex-A78 / A55 (2022−2024)
PassMark
5,376
5,343
Geekbench 6 Single
1,100
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590) / not specified (MediaTek Kompanio 838). The Core i5-4590 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the MediaTek Kompanio 838 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

FeatureCore i5-4590MediaTek Kompanio 838
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Desktop