Core i5-4590S vs Core i7-4702MQ

Intel

Core i5-4590S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2014
VS
Intel

Core i7-4702MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd37 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013

Core i5-4590S vs Core i7-4702MQ 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 i5-4590S vs Core i7-4702MQ 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 i7-4702MQ: 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

  • βœ…Costs $191 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 97.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.7 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4702MQ.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4702MQ across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (5,131 vs 5,187).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • ❌75.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 37W.

Core i7-4702MQ

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +11.5% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • βœ…Draws 37W instead of 65W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 26.7 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4702MQ better than Core i5-4590S?
Yes. Core i7-4702MQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 49 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 i7-4702MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.5% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4702MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% 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 i7-4702MQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4702MQ comes in 99.5% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 97.3% better value on paper (26.7 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590S vs Core i7-4702MQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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 (2013βˆ’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.

Intel

Core i7-4702MQ

The Core i7-4702MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,187 points. Launch price was $378.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i5-4590S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4702MQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590S versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4702MQ β€” a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590S (base: 3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4590S scores 5,131 against the Core i7-4702MQ's 5,187 β€” a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4702MQ. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 1,116 vs 965, a 14.5% lead for the Core i5-4590S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4702MQ.

FeatureCore i5-4590SCore i7-4702MQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+16%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+36%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
PassMark
5,131
5,187+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,116+16%
965
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
3,180
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4702MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) β€” 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,H87,Q85,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590S) and HM86,QM87 (Core i7-4702MQ).

FeatureCore i5-4590SCore i7-4702MQ
Socket
LGA1150
PGA946
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4702MQ). Both include integrated graphics β€” HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590S) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4702MQ) β€” useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590S targets Desktop, Core i7-4702MQ targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590S rivals A10-7850K; Core i7-4702MQ rivals Ryzen 7 3750H.

FeatureCore i5-4590SCore i7-4702MQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
Gaming
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590S was priced at $192, while the Core i7-4702MQ came in at $383. On launch pricing ($192 vs $383), Core i5-4590S was $191 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590S delivers 26.7 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-4702MQ β€” making the Core i5-4590S the 65.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-4590SCore i7-4702MQ
MSRP
$192-50%
$383
Performance per Dollar
26.7+98%
13.5
Release Date
2014
2013

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