Core i7-875K vs Core i7-4600M
Core i7-875K
Core i7-4600M
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 i7-875K is positioned at rank 1012 and the Core i7-4600M is on rank 71, so the Core i7-4600M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-875K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4600M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-875K | Core i7-4600M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-875K | Core i7-4600M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-875K and Core i7-4600M
Core i7-875K
The Core i7-875K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,177 points. Launch price was $486.
Core i7-4600M
The Core i7-4600M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,204 points. Launch price was $346.
Processing Power
The Core i7-875K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-4600M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-875K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-875K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4600M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-875K uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-4600M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-875K scores 3,177 against the Core i7-4600M's 3,204 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-4600M. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-875K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4600M.
| Feature | Core i7-875K | Core i7-4600M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz+1% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+100% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,177 | 3,204 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 656 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,025 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,132 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-875K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4600M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-875K versus DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i7-4600M — the Core i7-4600M supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-4600M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-875K | Core i7-4600M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | PGA946 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3L 1600 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-875K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-875K) vs true (Core i7-4600M). The Core i7-4600M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-875K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-875K targets Desktop, Core i7-4600M targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i7-875K | Core i7-4600M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mobile |
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