Core i7-4770 vs Core i7-4770K

Intel

Core i7-4770

4 Cores8 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-4770K

4 Cores8 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······

Core i7-4770 vs Core i7-4770K 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 i7-4770 vs Core i7-4770K 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 i7-4770 vs Core i7-4770K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4770

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $36 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
  • Delivers 10.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.3 vs 21.1 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (7,055 vs 7,141).

Core i7-4770K

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.1 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770K better than Core i7-4770?
Yes. Core i7-4770K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% 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 i7-4770K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% 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 i7-4770K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4770K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4770K comes in 11.9% more expensive on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4770 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 10.5% better value on paper (23.3 vs 21.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4770K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4770 vs Core i7-4770K Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4770

The Core i7-4770 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (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: 7,055 points. Launch price was $500.

Intel

Core i7-4770K

The Core i7-4770K 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,141 points. Launch price was $399.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4770 and Core i7-4770K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-4770 scores 7,055 against the Core i7-4770K's 7,141 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-4770K. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4770 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770K.

FeatureCore i7-4770Core i7-4770K
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
3.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.5 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
7,055
7,141+1%
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

FeatureCore i7-4770Core i7-4770K
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4770 was priced at $303, while the Core i7-4770K came in at $339. On launch pricing ($303 vs $339), Core i7-4770 was $36 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4770 delivers 23.3 pts/$ vs 21.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-4770K — making the Core i7-4770 the 10% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4770Core i7-4770K
MSRP
$303-11%
$339
Performance per Dollar
23.3+10%
21.1
Release Date
2013
2013

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.