Core i5-4590S vs Core i5-7300HQ

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 i5-4590S vs Core i5-7300HQ 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 i5-4590S vs Core i5-7300HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590S

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7300HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $192 MSRP, while Core i5-7300HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i5-7300HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4590S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,077 vs 5,131).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590S better than Core i5-7300HQ?

Yes. Core i5-4590S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4590S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.0% 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 i5-4590S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4590S is the better buy right now. Core i5-4590S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $192 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (26.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7300HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590S vs Core i5-7300HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590S

The Core i5-4590S 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 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,131 points. Launch price was $291.

Core i5-7300HQ

The Core i5-7300HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 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: 5,077 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4590S and Core i5-7300HQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590S versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7300HQ — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590S (base: 3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-4590S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7300HQ uses Kaby Lake-H (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590S scores 5,131 against the Core i5-7300HQ's 5,077 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-4590S. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Core i5-7300HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+6%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+20%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Kaby Lake-H (2017)
PassMark	5,131+1%	5,077
Geekbench 6 Single	1,116	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7300HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590S versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7300HQ — the Core i5-7300HQ supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7300HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Core i5-7300HQ
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2400+50%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7300HQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590S) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7300HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590S targets Desktop, Core i5-7300HQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590S rivals A10-7850K.