Intel Core i5-4690 socket: LGA 1150

What the Core i5-4690 is

The Core i5-4690 is a higher clocked Haswell quad for responsive towers on LGA 1150. Intel set four cores and four threads at 3.5 GHz base with turbo to 3.9 GHz. Six megabytes of Smart Cache serve office work, study and light media. Power is 84 W on 22 nm from May 2014. It leads the i5-4590 by 200 MHz on base with the same platform.

Top locked i5 clocks help single thread tasks that never use more threads. At 3.5 GHz with bursts to 3.9 GHz, apps launch quickly with an SSD. Four threads keep background tools smooth. The chip suits buyers who want near K speed without tuning or extra cooling. It is a popular used market quad for its balance.

HD Graphics 4600 covers office monitors. DDR3-1333 and 1600 with DDR3L options across two channels to 32 GB feed the part. The 4690 is a late Haswell volume quad with mature BIOS support across 8 and 9 series boards.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 4690 fits LGA 1150 on 8 series boards such as H81, B85, H87 and Z87, and on 9 series boards such as H97 and Z97. Haswell is native on both series, so boards run it from standard firmware. Check the maker CPU page for the exact revision on OEM systems.

The 75 × 75 mm mount takes stock and tower coolers. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide lists options. Chips for LGA 1151 never fit. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains series choice.

H81 and B85 cover office use at full speed. H97 adds 9 series storage options. Z boards work but do not unlock this locked chip.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR3-1333 and 1600 plus DDR3L variants in dual channel to 32 GB is the memory target. Eight gigabytes suits office images. Paired sticks help graphics in meetings. Faster DDR3 kits can run through XMP on Z boards.

Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU feed one graphics slot or adapters. Most 4690 builds keep integrated video or add a basic card. Chipset lanes add SATA and USB. Nine series boards list M.2 adapter support per manual.

Boxed 84 W cooling handles 3.5 GHz in towers with normal vents. The FCLGA1150 package at 37.5 × 37.5 mm fits standard push pin mounts. Keep airflow over the VRM for steady turbo.

Upgrade paths

Within the socket the Intel Core i5-4590 at 3.3 GHz to 3.7 GHz is a slightly slower twin on identical boards. The Intel Core i5-4690K at 3.5 GHz to 3.9 GHz unlocked is the tuning twin for Z boards with better cooling. Both share DDR3 memory.

DDR4 needs a new socket and board. The 4690 covers Haswell towers where top locked i5 clocks are the goal.