Core i7-4790T vs Core i5-6600K
Core i7-4790T
Core i5-6600K
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-4790T is positioned at rank 776 and the Core i5-6600K is on rank 662, so the Core i5-6600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4790T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4790T | Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($102) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($105) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4790T | Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($102) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($105) |
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 i7-4790T and Core i5-6600K
Core i7-4790T
The Core i7-4790T 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,325 points. Launch price was $303.
Core i5-6600K
The Core i5-6600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,301 points. Launch price was $242.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4790T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-6600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4790T versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600K — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-4790T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6600K uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790T scores 6,325 against the Core i5-6600K's 6,301 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4790T. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600K.
| Feature | Core i7-4790T | Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.5 GHz+30% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 6,325 | 6,301 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4790T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6600K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-4790T | Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4790T launched at $303 MSRP, while the Core i5-6600K debuted at $242. At current prices ($102 vs $105), the Core i7-4790T is $3 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790T delivers 62.0 pts/$ vs 60.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6600K — making the Core i7-4790T the 3.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4790T | Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $303 | $242-20% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $102-3% | $105 |
| Performance per Dollar | 62.0+3% | 60.0 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2015 |
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