Core i7-4790K vs Ryzen 5 7600X
Core i7-4790K
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 7600X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-4790K is positioned at rank #726 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4790K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 7600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4790K | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($93) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Devil's Canyon / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4790K | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+84%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($93) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-4790K and Ryzen 5 7600X
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.
Ryzen 5 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 28,325 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4790K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 7600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 7600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-4790K versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600X — a 18.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 7600X (base: 4 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Core i7-4790K uses the Devil's Canyon architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790K scores 8,063 against the Ryzen 5 7600X's 28,325 — a 111.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 7600X. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790K vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 7600X.
| Feature | Core i7-4790K | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.3 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz | 4.7 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-77% |
| Architecture | Devil's Canyon | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 8,063 | 28,325+251% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 15,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 13,800 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4790K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-4790K versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 5 7600X — the Ryzen 5 7600X supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 7600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-4790K) vs 28 (Ryzen 5 7600X) — the Ryzen 5 7600X offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 8 series,Intel 9 series (Core i7-4790K) and X670E,X670,B650E,B650,A620 (Ryzen 5 7600X).
| Feature | Core i7-4790K | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR5-5200+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 28+75% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4790K) / AMD-V (Ryzen 5 7600X). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4790K) and AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) (Ryzen 5 7600X) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 7600X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 7600X rivals Intel Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i7-4790K | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4790K launched at $350 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 7600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($93 vs $178), the Core i7-4790K is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790K delivers 86.7 pts/$ vs 159.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 7600X — making the Ryzen 5 7600X the 58.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4790K | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $350 | $299-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $93-48% | $178 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.7 | 159.1+84% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2022 |
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