Core i5-4690K vs Core i7-3740QM
Core i5-4690K
Core i7-3740QM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-4690K is positioned at rank 718 and the Core i7-3740QM is on rank 761, so the Core i5-4690K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4690K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3740QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4690K | Core i7-3740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($101) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4690K | Core i7-3740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($101) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-4690K and Core i7-3740QM
Core i5-4690K
The Core i5-4690K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 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): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $300.
Core i7-3740QM
The Core i7-3740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,710 points. Launch price was $378.
Processing Power
The Core i5-4690K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3740QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690K versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3740QM — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-4690K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3740QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690K scores 5,689 against the Core i7-3740QM's 5,710 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-3740QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Core i7-3740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+5% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+30% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,689 | 5,710 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4690K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Core i7-3740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4690K) / not specified (Core i7-3740QM). The Core i5-4690K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-3740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4690K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Core i7-3740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
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