Is the Intel i7 4790k Processor Still Worth It in 2020?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Price History of Intel i7 4790k Processor
3. The Performance of the Intel i7 4790k Processor
4. Overclocking the Intel i7 4790k Processor
5. The Importance of Single-Core Performance
6. Multi-Core Performance and Its Relevance
7. Comparing the Intel i7 4790k with Modern Processors
8. The Value for Money: Intel i7 4790k vs. High-End Processors
9. The Future of Processor Technology
10. Conclusion

The Intel i7 4790k Processor: A Powerful and Costly Choice

The Intel i7 4790k processor, released in mid-2014, may have had a small price initially, but over time, its value has significantly increased. This article explores the price history, performance, and overclocking capabilities of the i7 4790k. We will delve into the importance of single-core and multi-core performance, comparing it to modern processors, and evaluate its value for money. Lastly, we will discuss the future of processor technology and provide a conclusion.

1. Introduction

The Intel i7 4790k processor is renowned for its power and performance. Despite being released in 2014, it continues to be a popular choice among users due to its reliability and overclocking capabilities. In this article, we will explore various aspects of this processor and determine whether it is still a worthy investment in 2020.

2. The Price History of Intel i7 4790k Processor

When the Intel i7 4790k was first released in mid-2014, its price was around £250. However, the price gradually rose during its first year on the market, reaching a peak of £360. Surprisingly, even today, the cost of a brand new Intel i7 4790k processor is higher than its initial release price. This price trend can be attributed to its outstanding single-core performance, which has made it highly sought after by users.

3. The Performance of the Intel i7 4790k Processor

The Intel i7 4790k processor is a quad-core processor with eight Threads. Its single-core performance is remarkable, surpassing many modern processors in terms of its ability to handle tasks efficiently. With a base turbo clock speed of 4,400 MHz, this processor can provide excellent performance for gaming and productivity tasks. While multi-core performance is important for specialized tasks, it is the single-core performance that remains vital for day-to-day applications.

4. Overclocking the Intel i7 4790k Processor

Many enthusiasts appreciate the Intel i7 4790k processor for its overclocking capabilities. By increasing the base multiplier, users can achieve higher clock speeds. However, caution must be exercised when doing so, as increasing voltage to achieve higher clock speeds can result in increased temperatures and stability issues. It is essential to strike a balance between performance and stability when overclocking this processor.

5. The Importance of Single-Core Performance

In today's computing landscape, single-core performance plays a crucial role in most applications, including gaming and productivity tasks. While multi-core performance is Relevant for specialized activities such as rendering and video encoding, the majority of everyday tasks primarily rely on the performance of a single core. Thus, the Intel i7 4790k processor's exceptional single-core performance makes it a favorable choice for users seeking optimal performance across various applications.

6. Multi-Core Performance and Its Relevance

Though multi-core processors, such as those with eight cores and 16 threads, offer increased performance for certain specialized tasks, the benefits are limited for most users. Once a processor exceeds 12 cores, there is a diminishing return in terms of performance improvement. Investing in high-core count processors could result in excessive costs without a noticeable increase in performance, unless specific tasks heavily rely on multi-core capabilities.

7. Comparing the Intel i7 4790k with Modern Processors

When comparing the Intel i7 4790k with modern processors, it is essential to consider its value for money. While newer processors may boast higher core counts, the single-core performance improvement is often marginal. Processors like the Intel 9900k may offer a 10% performance boost in some scenarios, but the substantial price increase may not warrant the upgrade for most users. The overall performance gain may not be noticeable in everyday tasks, making the Intel i7 4790k a viable option for those on a budget.

8. The Value for Money: Intel i7 4790k vs. High-End Processors

When evaluating the value for money, the Intel i7 4790k stands out among high-end processors. While processors with more cores may offer improved performance, the cost increase often outweighs the benefits for everyday users. The AMD Ryzen 3900x, with its 12 cores, provides a slight edge over the Intel i7 4790k, but it may not justify the expense unless the user engages in intensive rendering or video encoding tasks. Therefore, the 4790k remains a cost-effective and powerful choice in early 2020.

9. The Future of Processor Technology

The stagnation of clock speeds and the increasing number of cores indicate that future processor technology must rely on new approaches to boost performance. The integration of artificial intelligence into CPUs could allow for Parallel execution of programs, enhancing overall performance. However, until this breakthrough, the demand for increased clock speeds without sacrificing stability remains unmet. As a result, the Intel i7 4790k processor will continue to be a reliable choice for users until clock speeds can surpass the 5 GHz barrier consistently.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Intel i7 4790k processor, despite its release back in 2014, offers exceptional performance and overclocking capabilities even in 2020. Its outstanding single-core performance makes it an excellent choice for everyday applications like gaming and productivity tasks. Comparing it to modern processors, it is evident that the increase in core count does not always equate to noticeable performance improvements. The Intel i7 4790k processor remains a cost-effective option for users seeking reliability and power. So, if you own a 4790k system, think twice before upgrading, as the performance gain may not be significant.