Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
Intel Core i3 3220 2-core LGA 1155
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
The Intel Core i7-4790K is widely praised for its impressive performance, especially in gaming and CPU-intensive tasks, with many users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. Overclocking is a highlight, with several reviewers achieving stable 4.7 GHz or higher with proper cooling, though some express disappointment at not reaching the advertised 5 GHz on air. The main drawbacks are the lack of an included cooler, potential high temperatures under extreme loads like Prime95, and the need for a compatible motherboard (Z97 recommended). Overall, it's seen as a solid upgrade for existing LGA1150 systems, but not worth it for those with a 4770K.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Great overclocking potential
- Cooler than previous Haswell
- Good value for LGA1150 upgrade
- Fast turbo boost speeds
Cons
- No cooler included
- High temps under extreme load
- Not worth upgrade from 4770K
- Overclocking limited to 4.8 GHz
- Requires Z97 motherboard for best results
Intel Core i3 3220 2-core LGA 1155
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this budget i3 processor, praising its performance for everyday tasks, media centers, and even light gaming. It runs cool and offers excellent value for money, often exceeding expectations. Some note the stock cooler feels flimsy, but it works fine. A few Q&A responses clarify compatibility and gaming limitations for demanding titles.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Runs cool
- Good for media centers
- Surprisingly good for gaming
- Efficient for everyday tasks
Cons
- Stock cooler feels flimsy
- Not for demanding games
- Requires LGA 1155 motherboard
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i7 4790K | Intel Core i3 3220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 | Core i3 |
| Model | 4790K | 3220 |
| Codename | Devil's Canyon | Ivy Bridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 22 | 22 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 4★ | 2 |
| P-cores | 4 | 6★ |
| Threads | 8★ | 4 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 1★ | 0.5 |
| L3 Cache | 8★ | 3 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | 32★ | — |
| ECC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 1150 | LGA 1155 |
| PCIe | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
| TDP | 88 | 55★ |
| Unlocked | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | Intel HD Graphics 2500 |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong feature (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong single thread (70th percentile)
Intel Core i3 3220 2-core LGA 1155
- Strong affordability (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (78th percentile)
- Strong social proof (75th percentile)
- Strong feature (70th percentile)
- Below average multi thread (27th percentile)
- Below average efficiency (34th percentile)
Pricing
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA 1150 offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 62 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 10 of 26 specs.
