Core i5-4690 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 i5-4690 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 i5-4690 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 i5-4690

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $162 less on MSRP ($272 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Delivers 61.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($272 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).

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 20.5 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4690 better than Core i7-4860EQ?

Yes. Core i5-4690 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% 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 i5-4690 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 i5-4690 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 i5-4690 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4690 comes in $162 cheaper on MSRP at $272 MSRP versus $434 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 61.8% better value on MSRP (20.5 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), 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 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-4690 vs Core i7-4860EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4690

The Core i5-4690 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (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 $346.

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 i5-4690 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4860EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-4690 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690 scores 5,584 against the Core i7-4860EQ's 5,508 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-4690. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4860EQ.

Feature	Core i5-4690	Core i7-4860EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+94%	1.8 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 (2013−2015)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,584+1%	5,508

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690 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 i5-4690	Core i7-4860EQ
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690 was priced at $272, while the Core i7-4860EQ came in at $434. On launch pricing ($272 vs $434), Core i5-4690 was $162 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690 delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 12.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-4860EQ — making the Core i5-4690 the 47.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690	Core i7-4860EQ
MSRP	$272-37%	$434
Performance per Dollar	20.5+61%	12.7
Release Date	2014	2014

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