Intel Core i7-4790 Buyer's Guide
Positioning and generation
The Intel Core i7-4790 is a desktop processor in our older mainstream tier band. It belongs to the 4th Gen Core family. By today's standards it is dated, but it can still run a fair number of light to moderate games.
This chip includes integrated graphics, so you can boot the system, display the desktop and handle everyday tasks without a dedicated graphics card. For newer 3D games, though, a dedicated graphics card is still needed.
Overall it suits a older system that is being kept running, or a tight budget focused on lighter games. It is not a platform I would pick as a long-term main machine.
Key specs explained
This processor has 4 physical cores and 8 threads. For games, the core count determines how much work can run at the same time. Four cores with eight threads still handles many titles, but newer demanding games will feel the limit.
The integrated graphics save the cost of a separate graphics card and cover web browsing, video playback and very light games. For better visuals, pair it with a dedicated graphics card.
The specification list does not include other details such as clock speed, cache or process node, so I will not guess at how those affect real performance.
Suitable games and resolutions
Against official requirements, this processor can be assessed for 416 of the 439 catalogue games that list requirements. Of those, 78 fall below the official minimum, 104 only meet the minimum, 136 reach the official recommended level, and 98 are well above the recommended level.
Games that reach the recommended level include Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition, Timberborn, The Last Caretaker, Shape of Dreams, Hollow Knight: Silksong, FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Schedule I and Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Titles that only meet the minimum include Big Ambitions, Yet Another Zombie Survivors, IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator, Fields of Mistria, MECCHA CHAMELEON and Librarian: Tidy Up the Arcane Library!. Games below the minimum include Big Walk, Scrap Mechanic, DragonSword : Awakening, Palworld, Gothic 1 Remake and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
Given this chip's position, 1080p is the practical target resolution. At higher resolutions the graphics card usually becomes the main limit rather than the processor.
Compared with similar hardware
One step above it in our ranking are the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, Intel Core i5-7400 and Intel Core i7-4790K, which sit close together and make a fair reference group. One step below are the Intel Core i5-6500, Intel Core i7-4770K and Intel Core i3-7100.
These comparisons only show relative position in our tiers, not a measured gap in game performance. When choosing among them, weigh the games you want to play, how easily the platform can be sourced, and your budget.
Buying new or used
This processor uses the LGA1150 socket, so it needs an LGA1150 motherboard. Check compatibility before you buy.
The boxed version includes a basic stock cooler; tray units do not.
This processor uses a land grid design: the pins are in the motherboard socket, so take care not to touch them when installing it.
Its multiplier is locked, so it cannot be manually overclocked.
When buying used, check for physical damage, ask for proof of purchase and confirm the warranty status. For new units, buy from a reputable seller and keep the receipt in case you need warranty service.
Upgrade advice
An upgrade makes sense if your games stutter mainly because of the processor. In our data, the upgrade targets to look at are the Intel Core i7-7700, AMD Ryzen 7 1700X and AMD Ryzen 3 3100, all clearly higher in our ranking and of the same or a newer generation.
Watch the platform change. Moving to a different socket usually means replacing the motherboard and memory as well. If you only want a faster processor, confirm that your current motherboard supports it.
When upgrading the processor, balance the graphics card and memory too. If the graphics card is much weaker, a faster processor will bring limited improvement, and too little memory will hold back the whole system.