Intel Core i7-4790 BX80646I74790 3.6 GHz 4.0 GHz desktop processor

Core i7-4790 Haswell quad-core for LGA 1150 builds

This desktop processor fits LGA 1150 motherboards based on Intel 8, 9 series chipsets such as Z97, Z87, H87, B85, Q87 and Q85. Four cores run at 3.6 GHz base with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.0 GHz and Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles display output without a discrete card. The 22 nm design includes 8 MB L3 cache and supports DDR3 memory.

Thermals noise and 84 W TDP in typical workloads

Thermal design power is rated at 84 W, so a standard tower cooler or quality downdraft unit keeps temperatures in check during everyday tasks. At idle the chip drops to low power states thanks to Enhanced SpeedStep, reducing fan speed and audible noise. Under sustained multi-core load the stock cooler may spin up noticeably; a larger aftermarket cooler runs quieter while maintaining headroom. Power draw scales with frequency and active core count.

3.6 GHz base 4.0 GHz max turbo decides

The 3.6 GHz base clock and 4.0 GHz maximum turbo frequency set the ceiling for single-thread responsiveness in legacy applications and older games. Turbo Boost 2.0 raises clocks opportunistically when thermal and power budgets allow. If your workload depends on burst frequency rather than core count, this figure is the primary selection criterion. Compatible chipsets include Z97, Z87, H87, B85, Q87 and Q85.