Core i7-990X vs Core i7-4771

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 i7-990X vs Core i7-4771 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 i7-990X vs Core i7-4771: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,135 vs 7,141).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $320 MSRP).
❌54.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 84W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4771 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-4771.

Core i7-4771

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $679 less on MSRP ($320 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 212.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($320 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 130W, a 46W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-990X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4771 better than Core i7-990X?

Yes. Core i7-4771 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i7-4771 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 i7-4771 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-4771 is the better buy right now. Core i7-4771 comes in $679 cheaper on MSRP at $320 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 212.5% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4771 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 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 i7-990X vs Core i7-4771 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

Core i7-4771

The Core i7-4771 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 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: 256 kB (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 $450.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-990X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-4771 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4771 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4771 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-990X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4771 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Core i7-4771's 7,141 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4771. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4771.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-4771
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz	3.9 GHz+5%
Base Clock	3.46 GHz	3.5 GHz+1%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	7,135	7,141
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,139
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,910

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-990X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4771 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-4771
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-990X) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4771). The Core i7-4771 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-990X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4771 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-4771
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-990X was priced at $999, while the Core i7-4771 came in at $320. On launch pricing ($999 vs $320), Core i7-4771 was $679 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-990X delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4771 — making the Core i7-4771 the 103% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-4771
MSRP	$999	$320-68%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	22.3+214%
Release Date	2011	2013

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