Intel Core i5-4690K socket: LGA 1150

What the Core i5-4690K is

The Core i5-4690K is the unlocked Haswell quad for budget tuning 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 games and creation. Power is 88 W on 22 nm from June 2014. Devils Canyon package changes with better thermal interface and added capacitors aim for lower temperatures and easier overclocks.

Unlocked multiplier allows higher clocks on Z87 and Z97 boards with solid cooling. At stock it matches fast office quads. Tuned past 4.2 GHz it lifts games of its era that favor single thread speed, though four threads still bound modern parallel work. A tower cooler and a capable VRM matter once voltage rises. Many 2014 builders pair it with a mid range card for 1080p play.

HD Graphics 4600 from 350 MHz to 1.2 GHz covers setup without a card. DDR3-1333 and 1600 across two channels to 32 GB feed the chip, with faster XMP kits on Z boards. The K is a fun Haswell for learners who want safe first tuning steps.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 4690K fits LGA 1150 on 8 and 9 series boards, but multiplier tuning needs Z87 or Z97. H81, B85, H87 and H97 run it at stock 3.5 GHz to 3.9 GHz. Haswell is native on both series, so stock use needs no BIOS step in most cases. Check the maker CPU list for the minimum BIOS that allows ratio changes.

The 75 × 75 mm mount takes larger towers for tuned heat. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide helps size cooling. Chips for LGA 1151 never fit. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains Z versus H limits.

For tuning pick Z97 with solid power stages and DDR3 that tolerates higher clocks. Keep voltage modest for daily use and watch VRM temperatures.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR3-1333 and 1600 in dual channel to 32 GB is the rated memory. Faster DDR3 kits work through XMP on Z boards once tuned. Dual channel pairs aid both CPU and graphics. Eight to 16 gigabytes suit gaming rigs with an SSD.

Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU feed graphics. Budget 2014 builds often pair this chip with a GTX 970 class card for 1080p. Chipset lanes add SATA and USB. Lane layout follows the board manual.

Cooling at stock fits a mid tower for 88 W. Tuned use wants a large tower or liquid unit for headroom. The 37.5 × 37.5 mm FCLGA1150 package is easy to mount, but tuned power climbs with voltage. No cooler ships with K series in many kits, so budget a mount.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket the Intel Core i5-4690 at 3.5 GHz to 3.9 GHz is the locked twin for office use on cheaper boards. The Intel Core i7-4790K at 4.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz with eight threads is the thread step for creation on Z97. Both share DDR3 and LGA 1150 mounting.

A larger core count needs a newer HEDT socket such as LGA 2011-v3. The 4690K covers tuners and collectors who want an unlocked Haswell quad.