Is the i7-4790k Devil's Canyon CPU Still Worth it in 2020?

Is the i7-4790k Devil's Canyon CPU Still Worth it in 2020?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Specs of the i7 4790k Devil's Canyon Processor
3. Overclocking the i7 4790k
4. Performance in Benchmark Tests
5. Upgrading from the i7 4790k
6. Comparison with Other Processors
7. Considerations for Buying a New System
8. Reliability of AMD vs Intel Processors
9. Importance of Single Core Performance
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the performance and longevity of the i7 4790k Devil's Canyon processor in 2020. Despite being released in 2014, this four-core, eight-thread CPU still holds its ground. We will explore its specifications, overclocking capabilities, benchmark performance, and whether it is worth upgrading to a newer processor. Additionally, we will compare the i7 4790k with other processors in the market, discuss the importance of single-core performance, and touch on the reliability of AMD versus Intel processors. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of whether the i7 4790k is the right choice for your computing needs.

Article

The i7 4790k Devil's Canyon processor, released in 2014, has managed to maintain its relevance in 2020. Despite being a six-year-old CPU, it still delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and even some demanding applications. Let's take a closer look at the specifications that make the i7 4790k stand out.

With four cores and eight Threads, the i7 4790k provides a solid foundation for multitasking and handling resource-intensive processes. It has a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, which can turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz. This allows for quick and responsive performance in most situations.

One of the standout features of the i7 4790k is its overclocking capabilities. Many users have reported successfully overclocking this processor, pushing it beyond its default settings. Although Intel officially states a maximum overclock of around 4.4 GHz, some users have managed to achieve stable overclocks of up to 4.7 GHz or even 4.8 GHz with proper cooling. This provides a noticeable boost in performance, especially for tasks that heavily rely on single-core performance.

In terms of benchmark performance, the i7 4790k holds its own. In tests like Cinebench 20, it achieves scores around the 1950 to 2150 range, depending on usage and system longevity. For everyday use and light to moderate tasks, the i7 4790k delivers a smooth and responsive experience.

Gaming performance is also commendable with the i7 4790k. Paired with a capable graphics card like the GTX 970, it can handle most modern games without any issues. The CPU's single-core performance plays a significant role in gaming, ensuring smooth frame rates and reducing bottlenecks.

While the i7 4790k excels in single-core performance, it does start to show its age in heavily multi-threaded tasks, such as video rendering or encoding. In comparison to newer processors like the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X or Intel Core i9-10900K, the i7 4790k falls behind due to its limited number of cores and threads. If these tasks are a priority for you, upgrading to a more multi-core processor might be worth considering.

When contemplating an upgrade, it's essential to weigh the cost and performance benefits. While newer processors offer significant improvements in multi-core performance, the i7 4790k still holds its own in everyday usage scenarios. If you can find a Second-HAND i7 4790k system at a reasonable price, it can provide excellent value for your money.

In terms of reliability, there used to be a Perception that Intel processors were more stable than AMD processors. However, the reliability gap between the two has significantly diminished over the years. Both Intel and AMD processors are now reliable and offer similar levels of stability. It is advisable to research specific models and read user reviews to make an informed decision about reliability.

In conclusion, the i7 4790k Devil's Canyon processor is still a viable option for those on a budget or not requiring cutting-edge multi-core performance. Its overclocking potential, strong single-core performance, and overall reliability make it a capable CPU even in 2020. However, if you heavily rely on multi-threaded tasks or plan to future-proof your system, upgrading to a newer processor with more cores and threads would be a more suitable choice.

Highlights

• The i7 4790k Devil's Canyon processor, released in 2014, still performs well in 2020.
• With four cores and eight threads, the i7 4790k provides a solid foundation for multitasking.
• Overclocking the i7 4790k can result in a noticeable performance boost, especially in single-core tasks.
• Benchmark tests show that the i7 4790k offers good performance for everyday use.
• It is a solid choice for gaming, especially when paired with a capable graphics card.
• In heavily multi-threaded tasks, the i7 4790k starts to show its age compared to newer processors.
• When considering an upgrade, it is essential to weigh the cost and performance benefits.
• Reliability-wise, both Intel and AMD processors have improved over the years and offer similar levels of stability.
• The i7 4790k is still a viable option for those on a budget or not requiring cutting-edge multi-core performance.
• Upgrading to a newer processor with more cores and threads would be a better choice for heavy multi-threaded usage.