Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-4710HQ

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 i7-4710HQ 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 i7-4710HQ: 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

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4710HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4710HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $328 MSRP, while Core i7-4710HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Core i7-4710HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% 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 (5,549 vs 5,584).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4670K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4710HQ better than Core i5-4670K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4710HQ is ahead with a 5.3% 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 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-4710HQ 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 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-4710HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4710HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $328 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4670K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4710HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-4710HQ 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 i7-4710HQ

The Core i7-4710HQ 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 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: 5,549 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4670K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4710HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670K versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4710HQ — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-4670K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4710HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670K scores 5,584 against the Core i7-4710HQ's 5,549 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-4670K. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4710HQ.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4710HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+9%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+36%	2.5 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	5,549
Geekbench 6 Single	975	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4710HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — 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.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4710HQ
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1364
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

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-4670K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4670K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4710HQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4670K) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4710HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670K targets Gaming Desktop, Core i7-4710HQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-4670K rivals FX-9370.