Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-4860EQ

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 i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4860EQ: 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

✅Costs $106 less on MSRP ($328 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Delivers 34.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.0 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($328 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-4860EQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4860EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Core i7-4860EQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,508 vs 5,584).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.7 vs 17.0 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $328 MSRP).
❌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 i7-4860EQ?

Yes. Core i5-4670K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4670K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i5-4670K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% 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 $106 cheaper on MSRP at $328 MSRP versus $434 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 34.1% better value on MSRP (17.0 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4860EQ

The Core i7-4860EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 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: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,508 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4670K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4860EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-4670K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670K scores 5,584 against the Core i7-4860EQ's 5,508 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-4670K. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4860EQ.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4860EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+19%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+89%	1.8 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+1%	5,508
Geekbench 6 Single	975	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4860EQ
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 i7-4860EQ). The Core i5-4670K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-4860EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4670K rivals FX-9370.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4860EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4670K was priced at $328, while the Core i7-4860EQ came in at $434. On launch pricing ($328 vs $434), Core i5-4670K was $106 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4670K delivers 17.0 pts/$ vs 12.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-4860EQ — making the Core i5-4670K the 29.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-4860EQ
MSRP	$328-24%	$434
Performance per Dollar	17.0+34%	12.7
Release Date	2013	2014

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