Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-4700HQ

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 i5-4670K vs Core i7-4700HQ 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 i5-4670K vs Core i7-4700HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4670K

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-4700HQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4700HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $328 MSRP, while Core i7-4700HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Core i7-4700HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,579 vs 5,584).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4670K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4670K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4670K better than Core i7-4700HQ?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4700HQ is ahead with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4670K pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-4700HQ also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4670K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4670K is the better buy right now. Core i5-4670K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $328 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-4700HQ is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4700HQ is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-4700HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4670K

The Core i5-4670K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,584 points. Launch price was $266.

Core i7-4700HQ

The Core i7-4700HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,579 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4670K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4700HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700HQ — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-4670K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4700HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670K scores 5,584 against the Core i7-4700HQ's 5,579 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-4670K. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700HQ.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4700HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+12%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,584	5,579
Geekbench 6 Single	975	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4700HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4700HQ
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, EPT (Core i5-4670K) / not specified (Core i7-4700HQ). The Core i5-4670K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-4700HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4670K rivals FX-9370.