Intel 641329973776CR Xeon i7-4790 3.6GHz LGA 1150 Processor (Renewed)

Name: Intel 641329973776CR Xeon i7-4790 3.6GHz LGA 1150 Processor (Renewed)
Brand: Intel
SKU: 641329973776CR

Overview

The Intel Core i7-4790 is the top-tier Haswell desktop processor for the LGA 1150 platform, running a 3.6GHz base clock with single-core turbo reaching 4.0GHz and 8 logical threads through Hyper-Threading. In context, those numbers still represent a capable processing foundation for non-gaming compute work: audio production sessions in a DAW, multi-track video timeline editing in 1080p, software compilation, and concurrent productivity workloads all run meaningfully better on this chip than on quad-core non-HT alternatives in the same socket. The 8MB Smart Cache reduces the penalty for cache misses in data-intensive applications, which shows up as smoother real-world responsiveness in workloads that repeatedly access the same data sets.

As a renewed processor, the i7-4790 targets two audiences: users looking to upgrade within an existing LGA 1150 system (Z87 or Z97 board already in hand), and budget system builders who can source a complete Haswell platform inexpensively. In both cases, the platform ceiling is fixed — DDR3 memory, PCIe 3.0, and an 84W TDP that demands proper cooling and airflow to sustain turbo clocks under load. It is emphatically not a path to a modern workstation; it's a way to maximize performance from hardware already in the field. For that purpose, the i7-4790 remains one of the strongest options the LGA 1150 socket ever produced, and a renewed unit at the right price represents genuinely usable performance for constrained budgets.

Key Features

2 GT/s

3.6 Ghz

4 Cores, 8 Cores in Hyperthreading mode

Package Weight, 2.0 pounds

Specifications

Processor

Intel Core i7-4790

Socket

LGA 1150

Core Count

4 cores / 8 threads (Hyper-Threading)

Base Clock Speed

3.6GHz

Cache

8MB Intel Smart Cache

Memory Support

DDR3

Bus Speed

2 GT/s

TDP

84W

Condition

Renewed

Similar Products

Other products from the same family that visitors often consider:

✓ Available

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

3.6GHz base clock with 4.0GHz single-core turbo delivers strong single-threaded performance for the LGA 1150 generation — still viable for productivity workloads, light rendering, and non-gaming compute tasks
8 logical threads via Hyper-Threading gives the processor genuine multi-threaded throughput for audio production, video transcoding, and concurrent application workflows
8MB Intel Smart Cache reduces latency on frequently accessed data, which translates to smoother performance in cache-sensitive workloads
Renewed pricing makes LGA 1150 platform upgrades economically viable for users already invested in Z87 or Z97 motherboards
Well-documented compatibility landscape — years of community testing across boards, coolers, and RAM configurations means troubleshooting resources are extensive

👎 Cons

LGA 1150 is a legacy platform — no upgrade path exists within the socket, meaning a CPU upgrade beyond the i7-4790 requires a full motherboard and RAM replacement
DDR3 memory support only — the platform cannot leverage faster, more widely available DDR4 RAM, which limits memory bandwidth compared to current-generation systems
84W TDP requires adequate case airflow and an aftermarket cooler; the included stock cooler is thermal headroom-limited under sustained workloads
As a renewed unit, heat spreader re-seating quality and previous thermal cycling history are unknowns — incoming inspection and fresh thermal paste application are non-negotiable
PCIe 3.0 bandwidth from the Haswell platform may bottleneck modern high-throughput peripherals (NVMe Gen 4 drives, high-bandwidth capture cards) compared to current-generation platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What motherboards are compatible with the i7-4790?

The i7-4790 uses the LGA 1150 socket and is compatible with Intel 8-series (Z87, H87, B85) and 9-series (Z97, H97) chipset motherboards. Compatibility with 8-series boards typically requires a BIOS update. Verify your specific board's CPU support list before purchasing.

What does Hyper-Threading actually add for real-world workloads on this processor?

Hyper-Threading presents the 4 physical cores as 8 logical threads to the operating system. For workloads that can distribute across threads — video encoding, audio rendering, multi-tab browsing, light virtualization — you'll see meaningfully better throughput than the core count alone suggests. Single-threaded tasks like older games or legacy software see no benefit from Hyper-Threading; they'll run at the base 3.6GHz clock speed.

What RAM specification does this processor support?

The i7-4790 supports DDR3 memory, not DDR4. It officially supports up to DDR3-1600 speeds, though many Z97 boards allow higher-speed DDR3 kits with XMP profiles. Maximum supported RAM capacity depends on your motherboard, but the processor itself supports up to 32GB across four channels in most desktop configurations.

What are the thermal requirements for running this chip at 3.6GHz base / 4.0GHz turbo?

The i7-4790 has a 84W TDP. A mid-range tower cooler (Cooler Master Hyper 212-class or equivalent) handles this comfortably. The stock Intel cooler is functional but runs warm under sustained load — aftermarket cooling is strongly recommended for any system used for encoding, rendering, or extended compute tasks.

As a renewed processor, what should I verify before installing?

Inspect the processor for bent pins or damaged IHS (integrated heat spreader) on arrival. Verify the serial number is legible. Apply fresh thermal paste regardless of whether any was pre-applied. Run a stress test utility (Prime95 or Cinebench) after installation to confirm stability and validate that boost clocks are reaching the expected 4.0GHz turbo frequency.