Core i7-980 vs Core i7-4790S

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 i7-980 vs Core i7-4790S 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 i7-980 vs Core i7-4790S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-980

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,890 vs 6,973).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $312 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Core i7-4790S

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $271 less on MSRP ($312 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 89.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.3 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($312 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790S better than Core i7-980?

Yes. Core i7-4790S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.3% 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 i7-4790S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.3% 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 i7-4790S 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 i7-4790S is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790S comes in $271 cheaper on MSRP at $312 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 89.1% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4790S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-980 vs Core i7-4790S Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-980

The Core i7-980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,890 points. Launch price was $1,109.

Core i7-4790S

The Core i7-4790S 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,973 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-980 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-4790S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-980 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980 versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-4790S — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790S (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-980 uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4790S uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980 scores 6,890 against the Core i7-4790S's 6,973 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-4790S. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790S.

Feature	Core i7-980	Core i7-4790S
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+4%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	6,890	6,973+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-980 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4790S uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-980	Core i7-4790S
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-980 was priced at $583, while the Core i7-4790S came in at $312. On launch pricing ($583 vs $312), Core i7-4790S was $271 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4790S — making the Core i7-4790S the 61.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-980	Core i7-4790S
MSRP	$583	$312-46%
Performance per Dollar	11.8	22.3+89%
Release Date	2011	2014

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