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Intel BX80646I74790 Core i7-4790 4.0GHz LGA1150 Processor — main product image
Intel BX80646I74790 Core i7-4790 4.0GHz LGA1150 Processor
Intel BX80646I74790 Core i7-4790 4.0GHz LGA1150 Processor
Intel BX80646I74790 Core i7-4790 4.0GHz LGA1150 Processor
Intel

Intel BX80646I74790 Core i7-4790 4.0GHz LGA1150 Processor

High-clock-speed Intel Core i7-4790 quad-core processor with 4.0GHz base for powerful desktop performance.

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Overview

The Intel Core i7-4790 is a 4th Generation Haswell Refresh desktop processor that set a high bar for non-overclockable performance when it launched. Running at a base clock of 4.0GHz with Turbo Boost capability, it delivers snappy responsiveness in single-threaded applications while its four physical cores and Hyper-Threading Technology provide eight processing threads for effective multitasking. The 8MB of Intel Smart Cache further enhances performance by keeping frequently used data close to the processor cores, reducing wait times during complex operations.

Built for the LGA1150 socket, the i7-4790 is compatible with a wide range of Intel 8-series and 9-series chipset motherboards. The included stock heatsink makes it a straightforward drop-in upgrade or replacement for existing Haswell-era systems. While its 22nm process technology and DDR3 memory support place it well behind current-generation offerings in efficiency and raw throughput, the i7-4790 still handles everyday productivity, media consumption, and moderate content creation workloads competently, making it a practical choice for extending the useful life of compatible desktop systems.

Specifications

Processor
Intel Core i7-4790
Base Clock Speed
Up to 4.00GHz
Cores / Threads
4 Cores / 8 Threads (Hyper-Threading)
Cache
8MB Intel Smart Cache
Socket
LGA1150
Architecture
Haswell Refresh (4th Gen)
Included Cooling
Heatsink Included

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 4.0GHz base clock speed delivers strong single-threaded performance without overclocking.
  • 8MB of Smart Cache helps reduce memory latency for frequently accessed data.
  • Hyper-Threading provides 8 threads from 4 cores for improved multitasking capability.
  • Includes a stock heatsink, reducing additional costs for standard builds.
  • Mature, well-supported platform with wide LGA1150 motherboard availability.

👎 Cons

  • 4th Gen Haswell architecture is significantly behind current processors in power efficiency and IPC.
  • Locked multiplier prevents overclocking for users seeking additional performance headroom.
  • LGA1150 socket limits upgrade paths, as no newer processors support this platform.
  • 22nm fabrication process consumes more power and generates more heat than modern chips.
  • Does not support DDR4 memory, restricting maximum memory bandwidth compared to newer platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

It uses the LGA1150 socket, compatible with Intel 8-series and 9-series chipset motherboards (such as Z87, Z97, H81, B85, and H97).
Yes, it includes a stock Intel heatsink and fan in the box, so you can install it without purchasing a separate cooler.
The i7-4790 is a locked processor with a 4.0GHz base clock, while the i7-4790K is the unlocked variant designed for overclocking with a slightly different base frequency.
Yes, the Core i7-4790 is a 4-core, 8-thread processor thanks to Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, enabling better multithreaded performance.
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor, based on the Haswell Refresh architecture.

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