Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
The Intel Core i7-4790K is widely praised for its impressive performance, especially in gaming and CPU-intensive tasks, with many users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. Overclocking is a highlight, with several reviewers achieving stable 4.7 GHz or higher with proper cooling, though some express disappointment at not reaching the advertised 5 GHz on air. The main drawbacks are the lack of an included cooler, potential high temperatures under extreme loads like Prime95, and the need for a compatible motherboard (Z97 recommended). Overall, it's seen as a solid upgrade for existing LGA1150 systems, but not worth it for those with a 4770K.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Great overclocking potential
- Cooler than previous Haswell
- Good value for LGA1150 upgrade
- Fast turbo boost speeds
Cons
- No cooler included
- High temps under extreme load
- Not worth upgrade from 4770K
- Overclocking limited to 4.8 GHz
- Requires Z97 motherboard for best results
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-6500 is widely praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, speed, and stability, making it a top choice for budget-conscious builders and gamers. Users appreciate the included stock cooler and thermal paste, which simplifies installation, and many note its cool operation and low power draw. A few concerns include the lack of overclocking capability (unless using a 'K' variant) and some Linux compatibility issues with integrated graphics, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Fast and stable performance
- Included stock cooler and thermal paste
- Easy installation
- Runs cool with low power draw
Cons
- Not overclockable (non-K variant)
- Linux compatibility issues with integrated graphics
- Price slightly above MSRP at launch
- Some units sold as used
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i7 4790K | Intel Core i5 6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 | Core i5 |
| Model | 4790K | 6500 |
| Codename | Devil's Canyon | Skylake |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 22 | 14★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| P-cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8★ | 4 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 1 | 1 |
| L3 Cache | 8★ | 6 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR4★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | 32 | 64★ |
| ECC | ✗ | ✗ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 1150 | LGA 1151 |
| PCIe | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
| TDP | 88 | 65★ |
| Unlocked | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong feature (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong single thread (70th percentile)
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
- Strong affordability (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (79th percentile)
- Strong platform (66th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 62 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 7 of 26 specs.
