Core i7-4770K vs Core i7-5850EQ

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 i7-4770K vs Core i7-5850EQ 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 i7-4770K vs Core i7-5850EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4770K

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $96 less on MSRP ($339 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.1 vs 16.2 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Core i7-5850EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,036 vs 7,141).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.2 vs 21.1 PassMark/$ ($435 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770K better than Core i7-5850EQ?

Yes. Core i7-4770K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4770K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.4% 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 1.5% 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 i7-4770K is the better buy right now. Core i7-4770K comes in $96 cheaper on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $435 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 30.2% better value on MSRP (21.1 vs 16.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5850EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4770K vs Core i7-5850EQ Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-5850EQ

The Core i7-5850EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4770K and Core i7-5850EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770K versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-4770K. The Core i7-4770K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-5850EQ uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4770K scores 7,141 against the Core i7-5850EQ's 7,036 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-4770K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770K vs 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ.

Feature	Core i7-4770K	Core i7-5850EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+44%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+33%	6 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	7,141+1%	7,036

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4770K was priced at $339, while the Core i7-5850EQ came in at $435. On launch pricing ($339 vs $435), Core i7-4770K was $96 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4770K delivers 21.1 pts/$ vs 16.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-5850EQ — making the Core i7-4770K the 26.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4770K	Core i7-5850EQ
MSRP	$339-22%	$435
Performance per Dollar	21.1+30%	16.2
Release Date	2013	2015

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