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 i5-9500T vs Core i7-4790K 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 i5-9500T vs Core i7-4790K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9500T

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $158 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Delivers 83.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.2 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 88W, a 53W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4790K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i7-4790K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +39.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,063 vs 8,095).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.0 vs 42.2 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌151.4% higher power demand at 88W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-9500T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-9500T better than Core i7-4790K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4790K is ahead with a 39.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9500T pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9500T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

Core i5-9500T is the better buy right now. Core i5-9500T comes in $158 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $350 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-4790K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 39.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 83.0% better value on MSRP (42.2 vs 23.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-9500T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-9500T vs Core i7-4790K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-9500T

The Core i5-9500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,095 points. Launch price was $192.

Core i7-4790K

The Core i7-4790K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Devil's Canyon architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,063 points. Launch price was $339.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-9500T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i7-4790K offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-9500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-9500T versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-4790K — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i5-9500T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4790K uses Devil's Canyon (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9500T scores 8,095 against the Core i7-4790K's 8,063 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-9500T. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9500T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790K.

Feature	Core i5-9500T	Core i7-4790K
Cores / Threads	6 / 6+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	4.4 GHz+19%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	4 GHz+82%
L3 Cache	9 MB (total)+13%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Devil's Canyon
PassMark	8,095	8,063
Geekbench 6 Single	1,236	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,218	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9500T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4790K uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9500T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-4790K — the Core i5-9500T supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9500T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 300-series (Core i5-9500T) and Intel 8 series,Intel 9 series (Core i7-4790K).

Feature	Core i5-9500T	Core i7-4790K
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9500T) / not specified (Core i7-4790K). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9500T) and Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4790K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9500T targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500T rivals Ryzen 5 2600.

Feature	Core i5-9500T	Core i7-4790K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9500T was priced at $192, while the Core i7-4790K came in at $350. On launch pricing ($192 vs $350), Core i5-9500T was $158 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9500T delivers 42.2 pts/$ vs 23.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-4790K — making the Core i5-9500T the 58.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9500T	Core i7-4790K
MSRP	$192-45%	$350
Performance per Dollar	42.2+83%	23.0
Release Date	2019	2014

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