The i5 4690, a processor from Intel’s 4th generation Core series, was released in 2014. Although it’s been several years since its release, the i5 4690 remains a popular choice among gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. But is this processor still worth considering in today’s fast-paced tech landscape? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the i5 4690, exploring its features, performance, and value to help you decide if it’s the right processor for your needs.
Understanding The I5 4690’s Architecture And Features
The i5 4690 is based on Intel’s Haswell architecture, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor, Ivy Bridge. Haswell brought several key enhancements, including:
Improved Power Efficiency
Haswell processors, including the i5 4690, were designed to provide better power efficiency without sacrificing performance. This was achieved through various optimizations, such as:
- Reduced power consumption: Haswell processors consumed less power than their Ivy Bridge counterparts, making them more suitable for laptops and small form factor PCs.
- Enhanced voltage regulation: Haswell’s improved voltage regulation allowed for more efficient power delivery, reducing heat generation and increasing overall system stability.
Increased Performance
The i5 4690 boasts a clock speed of 3.5 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz. This provides a significant boost in performance compared to its Ivy Bridge predecessors. Additionally, the i5 4690 features:
- 4 cores and 4 threads: The i5 4690 is a quad-core processor, providing excellent multithreading capabilities and improved performance in applications that utilize multiple cores.
- Intel HD Graphics 4600: The i5 4690 features Intel’s integrated HD Graphics 4600, which provides decent graphics performance for general use and casual gaming.
Performance And Benchmarks
To evaluate the i5 4690’s performance, we’ll look at various benchmarks and compare them to more modern processors.
CPU Benchmarks
In CPU-intensive tasks, the i5 4690 still holds its own against more modern processors. Here are some benchmark results:
| Benchmark | i5 4690 | i5 11600K (11th Gen) |
| — | — | — |
| Cinebench R20 (Single-Core) | 173 | 544 |
| Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core) | 734 | 4,331 |
As expected, the i5 11600K outperforms the i5 4690 in both single-core and multi-core tasks. However, the i5 4690 still provides respectable performance, especially considering its age.
Gaming Performance
The i5 4690’s integrated graphics are sufficient for casual gaming, but they may struggle with more demanding titles. Here are some gaming benchmarks:
| Game | i5 4690 (Intel HD Graphics 4600) | i5 11600K (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660) |
| — | — | — |
| League of Legends (1080p, Medium) | 60 FPS | 144 FPS |
| Fortnite (1080p, Medium) | 40 FPS | 120 FPS |
As expected, the i5 11600K with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card outperforms the i5 4690 in gaming tasks. However, the i5 4690 can still provide a smooth gaming experience in less demanding titles.
Value And Upgrade Options
Considering the i5 4690’s age, it’s essential to evaluate its value and upgrade options.
Value
The i5 4690 is an affordable processor, often available for under $200. Considering its performance and features, it provides excellent value for:
- Budget gaming: The i5 4690 can still provide a smooth gaming experience in less demanding titles, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
- General use: The i5 4690 is more than sufficient for general use, such as web browsing, office work, and streaming.
Upgrade Options
If you’re looking to upgrade from the i5 4690, consider the following options:
- i5 11600K: A more modern processor with improved performance, power efficiency, and features.
- Ryzen 5 5600X: A strong competitor from AMD, offering excellent performance, power efficiency, and value.
Conclusion
The i5 4690 is still a good processor, offering excellent value and performance for its age. While it may not be the best choice for demanding tasks or modern games, it’s an excellent option for:
- Budget gaming
- General use
- Upgrades from older processors
If you’re considering purchasing the i5 4690, make sure to:
- Check compatibility: Ensure the i5 4690 is compatible with your motherboard and other system components.
- Evaluate your needs: Consider your specific needs and ensure the i5 4690 meets them.
In conclusion, the i5 4690 is a reliable and affordable processor that still provides excellent value in today’s market. While it may not be the most powerful processor available, it’s an excellent choice for those on a budget or looking for a reliable upgrade from an older processor.
What Is The Intel Core I5 4690 Processor?
The Intel Core i5 4690 is a mid-range processor from Intel’s 4th generation Core series, released in 2014. It is based on the Haswell architecture and features four cores with a clock speed of 3.5 GHz, which can be boosted up to 3.9 GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. This processor also comes with 6 MB of cache memory and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 RAM.
The i5 4690 is a 64-bit processor, which means it can handle both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems and applications. It also features Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which allows each core to handle multiple threads simultaneously, improving multitasking performance. Additionally, the processor supports Intel’s HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics, which can handle general computing tasks and casual gaming.
Is The Intel Core I5 4690 Still Worth It In Today’s Market?
The Intel Core i5 4690 is still a capable processor, but its value in today’s market depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for general computing tasks such as web browsing, office work, and streaming, the i5 4690 can still provide smooth performance. However, if you’re looking for a processor for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive tasks, you may want to consider a more modern processor.
In terms of compatibility, the i5 4690 is still supported by most modern operating systems, including Windows 10 and Linux distributions. However, it may not be compatible with the latest software and hardware, such as DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 devices. If you’re planning to upgrade your system in the near future, you may want to consider a more modern processor that supports the latest technologies.
What Are The Key Features Of The Intel Core I5 4690?
The Intel Core i5 4690 features four cores with a clock speed of 3.5 GHz, which can be boosted up to 3.9 GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. It also comes with 6 MB of cache memory and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 RAM. The processor supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which allows each core to handle multiple threads simultaneously, improving multitasking performance.
In addition to its processing capabilities, the i5 4690 also features Intel’s HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics, which can handle general computing tasks and casual gaming. The processor also supports Intel’s Quick Sync Video technology, which can accelerate video encoding and decoding tasks. Other features include support for Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT-x) and Trusted Execution Technology (TXT).
How Does The Intel Core I5 4690 Compare To Other Processors In Its Class?
The Intel Core i5 4690 is a mid-range processor from Intel’s 4th generation Core series, and it competes with other processors from the same generation, such as the i5 4670 and i5 4570. Compared to these processors, the i5 4690 offers a higher clock speed and more cache memory, making it a better option for demanding tasks.
In terms of performance, the i5 4690 is comparable to other mid-range processors from the same generation, such as the AMD FX-6300. However, the i5 4690 has a lower power consumption and generates less heat, making it a better option for systems with limited cooling capabilities. Additionally, the i5 4690 supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which gives it an edge in multitasking performance.
Can The Intel Core I5 4690 Handle Gaming And Other Resource-intensive Tasks?
The Intel Core i5 4690 can handle casual gaming and other resource-intensive tasks, but it may not be the best option for demanding games or applications. The processor’s integrated graphics, Intel’s HD Graphics 4600, can handle general computing tasks and casual gaming, but it may struggle with more demanding games.
For more demanding tasks, such as video editing or 3D modeling, the i5 4690 can still provide smooth performance, but it may not be the best option. The processor’s four cores and 6 MB of cache memory provide a good balance of processing power and multitasking capabilities, but it may not be enough for the most demanding tasks. If you’re looking for a processor for gaming or other resource-intensive tasks, you may want to consider a more modern processor with a higher clock speed and more cores.
Is The Intel Core I5 4690 Compatible With The Latest Operating Systems And Software?
The Intel Core i5 4690 is still supported by most modern operating systems, including Windows 10 and Linux distributions. However, it may not be compatible with the latest software and hardware, such as DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 devices. If you’re planning to upgrade your system in the near future, you may want to consider a more modern processor that supports the latest technologies.
In terms of software compatibility, the i5 4690 can run most modern applications, including web browsers, office software, and media players. However, it may not be compatible with the latest games or applications that require a more modern processor. If you’re looking for a processor that can run the latest software and games, you may want to consider a more modern processor.
What Are The Upgrade Options For The Intel Core I5 4690?
If you’re looking to upgrade your system with an Intel Core i5 4690, you have several options. One option is to upgrade to a more modern processor from Intel’s 5th or 6th generation Core series, such as the i5 5675C or i5 6600K. These processors offer higher clock speeds, more cores, and support for the latest technologies, such as DDR4 RAM and PCIe 3.0 devices.
Another option is to upgrade to a processor from AMD’s Ryzen series, such as the Ryzen 5 5600X or Ryzen 7 5800X. These processors offer higher clock speeds, more cores, and support for the latest technologies, such as DDR4 RAM and PCIe 4.0 devices. Additionally, AMD’s Ryzen processors are often more affordable than Intel’s Core processors, making them a more budget-friendly option.