Devil's Canyon: Intel Core i7-4790K OC'ing and Review

Performance Summary: There are two subjects we should cover in this performance summary: The Core i7-4790K’s general performance and its overclockability. In terms of overall performance, the Core i7-4790K is great. Thanks to its relatively higher base and Turbo boost clocks (4GHz / 4.4GHz), it is easily the fastest quad-core processor Intel has released to date. The Core i7-4790K’s higher clocks even allow it to make up a ton of ground on Intel’s top-of-the-line Ivy Bridge-E based Extreme processors.

The Core i7-4790K’s overclockability is also very good, though it’s wasn’t quite the monster initial rumors had suggested. Don’t get us wrong—our sample clocked 10% higher than the Core i7-4770K we tested last year and was stable at 4.8GHz with air-cooling, but “5GHz on air” as was suggested before the launch wasn’t possible with our sample. 

The Core i7-4790K is one heck of a processor. If you’re looking to build a high-end Intel-based system today, without springing for an Extreme Edition CPU, the Core i7-4790K is an excellent option. Furthermore, Intel is introducing the CPU at the same price as last year’s Core i7-4770K:

Find the Core i7-4970K @ Amazon.com

At $339, the Core i7-4790K isn’t cheap, but then again, those three C-notes and change will get you the fastest unlocked, quad-core processor Intel has ever built. Another option would be the new Core i5-4690K—the other Devil’s Canyon CPU in Intel’s new line-up. We haven’t had a chance to test one just yet, but at $242 (again, the same introductory price as last year’s Core 15-4670K) and with marginally higher clocks than the 4670K, it should be a winner as well.

Fastest Intel Quad-Core Ever New Packaging Materials and TIM Same Price as 4770K Good Overclocker	Not A New Architecture Not Quite The Overclocking Beast It Was Made Out To Be