Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
AMD A-Series APU A8-5600K 4-core Socket FM2
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
AMD A-Series APU A8-5600K 4-core Socket FM2
The AMD A8-5600K is generally well-regarded for budget builds, with users praising its value, ease of installation, and adequate performance for everyday tasks and light editing. However, compatibility issues with certain motherboards and laptops are a recurring concern, and some users note the need for a discrete GPU for better graphics performance. Overall, it's a solid choice for cost-conscious builders who understand its limitations.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy installation
- Adequate for everyday tasks
- Works with discrete GPU
- Included heatsink and fan
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some motherboards
- Not compatible with laptops
- May need discrete GPU for graphics
- BIOS update may be required
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i7 4790K | AMD A-Series APU A8-5600K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i7 | A-Series APU |
| Model | 4790K | 5600 |
| Codename | Devil's Canyon | Trinity |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 22★ | 32 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| P-cores | 4 | 6★ |
| Threads | 8 | 12★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 1 | 4★ |
| L3 Cache | 8 | 32★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR4★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | 32★ | — |
| ECC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 1150 | Socket FM2 |
| PCIe | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20★ |
| TDP | 88★ | 100 |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | AMD Radeon HD 7560D |
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)
AMD A-Series APU A8-5600K 4-core Socket FM2
- Strong affordability (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong feature (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong single thread (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong platform (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average social proof (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (21st percentile)
Pricing
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
AMD A-Series APU A8-5600K 4-core Socket FM2
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 64 overall, wins 5 of 6 usage categories and 10 of 26 specs.