Core i5-4690S vs Core i7-4785T

Intel

Core i5-4690S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4785T

4 Cores8 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-4690S vs Core i7-4785T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-4690S vs Core i7-4785T 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 i5-4690S vs Core i7-4785T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4690S

2014

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4785T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (5,476 vs 5,486).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
    • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

    Core i7-4785T

    2013

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +12.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
    • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i7-4785T better than Core i5-4690S?
    Yes. Core i7-4785T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4785T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.7% 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 i7-4785T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i7-4785T is the better buy right now. Core i7-4785T comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $306 MSRP versus $306 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.2% better value on MSRP (17.9 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4690S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i5-4690S vs Core i7-4785T Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-4690S

    The Core i5-4690S 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 3.2 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,476 points. Launch price was $224.

    Intel

    Core i7-4785T

    The Core i7-4785T 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 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: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,486 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-4690S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4785T's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690S versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4785T — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4690S scores 5,476 against the Core i7-4785T's 5,486 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-4785T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4785T.

    FeatureCore i5-4690SCore i7-4785T
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 8
    Boost Clock
    3.9 GHz+22%
    3.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.2 GHz+45%
    2.2 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)
    Haswell (2013−2015)
    PassMark
    5,476
    5,486
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

    FeatureCore i5-4690SCore i7-4785T
    Socket
    LGA1150
    LGA1150
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i5-4690S was priced at $306, while the Core i7-4785T came in at $306. On launch pricing ($306 vs $306), Core i7-4785T was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690S delivers 17.9 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-4785T — making the Core i7-4785T the 0.2% better value option.

    FeatureCore i5-4690SCore i7-4785T
    MSRP
    $306
    $306
    Performance per Dollar
    17.9
    17.9
    Release Date
    2014
    2013

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