Intel Core i7-4790K vs AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
The Intel Core i7-4790K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 4%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-4790K | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 48/100 | 46/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Cores | 4 | 6 |
| Threads | 8 | 12 |
| Base clock | 4 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 88 W | 95 W |
| Release year | 2014 | 2018 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i7-4790K is the better buy — it holds a 4% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X has more cores (6 vs 4), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-4790K runs 7W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.