The i7-4790K, a powerhouse of a processor, has been a favorite among gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts alike. Released by Intel in 2014, this processor has left a lasting impact on the tech world. But have you ever wondered when exactly this beast of a processor was unleashed upon the world? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the i7-4790K and explore its release date, features, and what made it so special.
A Brief History of Intel’s Core i7 Processors
Before we dive into the specifics of the i7-4790K, let’s take a step back and look at the history of Intel’s Core i7 processors. The first Core i7 processor, the i7-965 Extreme Edition, was released in November 2008. This processor was based on the Nehalem microarchitecture and boasted a clock speed of 3.2 GHz. The i7-965 was a game-changer, offering unprecedented performance and power efficiency.
Over the years, Intel continued to refine and improve their Core i7 processors, releasing new generations with improved architectures, higher clock speeds, and additional features. The Sandy Bridge microarchitecture, released in 2011, brought significant improvements in performance and power efficiency. The Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, released in 2012, further refined the design, offering even better performance and power management.
The Devil’s Canyon: A New Generation of Processors
Fast-forward to 2014, and Intel was preparing to release a new generation of processors, codenamed “Devil’s Canyon.” This new generation was based on the Haswell microarchitecture, which had been released in 2013. The Devil’s Canyon processors were designed to offer improved performance, power efficiency, and overclocking capabilities.
The i7-4790K was one of the top-of-the-line processors in the Devil’s Canyon lineup, featuring a clock speed of 4.0 GHz, 8MB of cache memory, and support for Hyper-Threading. This processor was designed to be a beast, with a TDP (thermal design power) of 88W and a turbo boost frequency of up to 4.4 GHz.
The i7-4790K Release Date: When Did It Hit the Shelves?
So, when did the i7-4790K finally hit the shelves? According to Intel’s official documentation, the i7-4790K was released on June 2, 2014. This processor was part of the Devil’s Canyon lineup, which was announced on May 10, 2014.
The i7-4790K was initially available for pre-order on May 10, 2014, with a suggested retail price of $339. The processor started shipping on June 2, 2014, and was widely available at major retailers by the end of June.
Key Features of the i7-4790K
So, what made the i7-4790K so special? Here are some of its key features:
- Clock Speed: The i7-4790K had a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, with a turbo boost frequency of up to 4.4 GHz.
- Cache Memory: The processor featured 8MB of cache memory, providing a significant boost in performance.
- Hyper-Threading: The i7-4790K supported Hyper-Threading, allowing it to handle up to 8 threads simultaneously.
- Overclocking: The processor was designed for overclocking, with a high TDP of 88W and an unlocked multiplier.
- Integrated Graphics: The i7-4790K featured Intel’s HD Graphics 4600, providing decent graphics performance for general use.
Performance and Benchmarks
The i7-4790K was a powerhouse of a processor, offering exceptional performance and overclocking capabilities. According to benchmarks, the i7-4790K outperformed its predecessors, offering significant gains in performance.
- Cinebench R15: The i7-4790K scored an impressive 1034 cb in Cinebench R15, outperforming the i7-4770K by around 10%.
- 3DMark Fire Strike: The processor scored 15,441 in 3DMark Fire Strike, outperforming the i7-4770K by around 12%.
- Gaming Performance: The i7-4790K offered exceptional gaming performance, with frame rates of up to 60 FPS in demanding games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Far Cry 4.
Conclusion
The i7-4790K was a game-changer when it was released in 2014. With its exceptional performance, overclocking capabilities, and integrated graphics, it quickly became a favorite among gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts. Today, the i7-4790K remains a popular choice for those looking for a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
Whether you’re building a gaming PC, a content creation workstation, or just a general-use computer, the i7-4790K is an excellent choice. Its release date may have been June 2, 2014, but its impact on the tech world continues to be felt to this day.
| Processor | Release Date | Base Clock Speed | Turbo Boost Frequency | Cache Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i7-965 Extreme Edition | November 2008 | 3.2 GHz | Up to 3.46 GHz | 8MB |
| i7-4790K | June 2, 2014 | 4.0 GHz | Up to 4.4 GHz | 8MB |
In this table, we compare the i7-965 Extreme Edition, one of the first Core i7 processors, with the i7-4790K. As you can see, the i7-4790K offers significant improvements in performance, clock speed, and cache memory.
What is the i7-4790K processor?
The i7-4790K is a high-performance processor from Intel, part of their Core i7 series. It’s a powerhouse of a chip, designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. With a clock speed of 4.0 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.4 GHz, this processor is perfect for gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs raw processing power.
The i7-4790K also features 8 threads, allowing for seamless multitasking and efficient use of system resources. Additionally, it has a large 8MB cache, which helps to reduce latency and improve overall system performance. With its impressive specs and features, the i7-4790K is set to become a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
What is the release date of the i7-4790K?
The i7-4790K processor was officially released on June 2, 2014. This marked a significant milestone for Intel, as it represented a major leap forward in processing power and efficiency. Since its release, the i7-4790K has become a popular choice among PC builders and upgraders, who appreciate its exceptional performance and overclocking capabilities.
It’s worth noting that the i7-4790K was released as part of Intel’s Devil’s Canyon line, which was a series of high-performance processors designed to cater to the needs of enthusiasts and overclockers. The Devil’s Canyon line was known for its improved thermal interface and enhanced performance, making the i7-4790K an attractive option for those who demand the best.
What are the key features of the i7-4790K?
The i7-4790K boasts an impressive array of features that make it a standout performer. Some of its key features include a 4.0 GHz clock speed, 4.4 GHz turbo boost, and 8 threads for effortless multitasking. It also features a large 8MB cache, which helps to reduce latency and improve overall system performance.
Additionally, the i7-4790K supports Hyper-Threading, which allows for parallel processing and improved multithreaded performance. It’s also compatible with Intel’sExtreme Tuning Utility, which allows for easy overclocking and tuning. With its impressive specs and features, the i7-4790K is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
What is the difference between the i7-4790K and i7-4770K?
The i7-4790K and i7-4770K are both high-performance processors from Intel, but they have some key differences. The main difference is clock speed, with the i7-4790K running at 4.0 GHz and the i7-4770K running at 3.5 GHz. The i7-4790K also has a higher turbo boost of 4.4 GHz, compared to the i7-4770K’s 3.9 GHz.
Another difference is the thermal design power (TDP), with the i7-4790K having a TDP of 88W and the i7-4770K having a TDP of 84W. While both processors are high-performance, the i7-4790K is more powerful and has a slightly higher power draw.
Is the i7-4790K compatible with older motherboards?
The i7-4790K is compatible with a wide range of motherboards, including those from the Z97 and Z87 chipset families. However, it’s essential to check the motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website to ensure compatibility, as some older motherboards may not support the i7-4790K’s features and power requirements.
In general, motherboards that support the LGA 1150 socket can accommodate the i7-4790K, but may require a BIOS update to recognize the new processor. It’s always a good idea to check compatibility before upgrading or building a new system.
What type of cooling system does the i7-4790K require?
The i7-4790K is a high-performance processor that generates a significant amount of heat, especially when overclocked. As such, it requires a reliable cooling system to maintain optimal temperatures and prevent throttling.
Intel recommends a high-performance cooling system with a thermal design power (TDP) of at least 88W. This can include air coolers like the Intel Thermal Solution RTS2011AC, or liquid cooling systems like the Corsair Hydro Series. It’s essential to choose a cooling system that can handle the i7-4790K’s power and heat output.
Is the i7-4790K still a good choice for gaming and content creation?
Despite being released in 2014, the i7-4790K remains an excellent choice for gaming and content creation. Its high clock speed, turbo boost, and 8 threads make it well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming.
Additionally, the i7-4790K’s high IPC (instructions per clock) and efficient architecture make it an excellent choice for gaming, where high frame rates and low latency are essential. While newer processors may offer improved performance, the i7-4790K remains a solid choice for those who need a powerful processor without breaking the bank.