Core i5-4690K vs Core i7-4750HQ

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 i5-4690K vs Core i7-4750HQ 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 i5-4690K vs Core i7-4750HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4690K

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-4750HQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $243 MSRP, while Core i7-4750HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌87.2% higher power demand at 88W vs 47W.

Core i7-4750HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 88W, a 41W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,630 vs 5,689).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4690K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4690K better than Core i7-4750HQ?

Yes. Core i5-4690K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4690K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 i5-4690K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4690K is the better buy right now. Core i5-4690K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $243 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4690K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4690K vs Core i7-4750HQ Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-4750HQ

The Core i7-4750HQ 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 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: 5,630 points. Launch price was $434.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4690K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4750HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4750HQ — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-4690K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4750HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690K scores 5,689 against the Core i7-4750HQ's 5,630 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-4690K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4750HQ.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Core i7-4750HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+75%	2 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	5,689+1%	5,630

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4750HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Core i7-4750HQ
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, VT-d (Core i5-4690K) / not specified (Core i7-4750HQ). The Core i5-4690K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-4750HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4690K targets Desktop.