Intel Core i7 4790K

Intel Core i7 4790K Review – Welcome to most favourite gaming CPU in 2015. Sure, it’s also one of the most expensive, but what’s $100 between friends? It might not be a massive improvement over a trust old i7 2700K overclocked to 4.5GHz, but there’s no denying that this is the fastest gaming CPU on the market.

Built using Intel’s Haswell design, the remarkable feature about this chip is that it has the fastest Turbo frequency of any product Intel has launched. When the going gets tough, each of the four HyperThreaded cores within will clock themselves at a blistering 4.4GHz, which is more than enough to decimate even the most demanding game. The K at the end of the model name signifies that this chip is also aimed at overclockers, as it includes a fully unlocked multiplier. Depending on how lucky you are, not to mention how extreme your cooling setup is, it’s possible to get these chips to run at anywhere up to 5GHz, though 4.8GHz seems to be the average.

In our test, this CPU has what it takes to beat most intel processors, including Intel’s own $1400 super chip, the Extreme Edition. In fact, it even beats the Extreme Edition in GTAV, proving that this is the best gaming CPU on the market. These excellent results hammer home just how far AMD is behind Intel, but until it catches up we have no hesitation in recommending the i7 4790K for those who can afford it.

Pros

• Top-shelf performance
• Factory Unlocked
• Cool operating temps

Cons

• Rather expensive