Is the i7 4790s a High-End Processor in 2030?
The discussion around the i7 4790s being a high-end processor is largely anchored in its 2023 performance metrics. Even today, the 4790s falls significantly short when compared to modern processors. This article delves into why it is not considered a high-end processor in 2023 and how its performance might be perceived in 2030.
Performance Comparison with Modern Processors
As of 2023, the performance of the i7 4790s is situated at the midpoint between a 9th Gen Core i3–9100 and a 12th Gen Core i3–12100. This means even a modern 12th or 13th Gen Core i3 processor is faster than an old i7. The i3-12100 and i3-12100f have a 25 to 30 IPC (Instructions Per Clock) advantage over the 4790s, making them significantly faster due to higher clock speeds.
Hardware Specifications and Usage
The i7 4790s is designed for smaller systems, with a lower clock frequency of 3.6 GHz on all cores and a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W. In comparison, the Core i7-4790 has an all-core frequency of 3.8 GHz, while the i7-4790K reaches 4.2 GHz on all cores. An overclocked i7-4790K can even outpace modern 12th Gen Core i3 processors, but this is a niche scenario.
Future Performance in 2030
It is difficult to imagine the performance levels of the i7 4790s by 2030. Considering the rapid advancement in technology, quad-core processors today are considered low-end. By 2030, 6-core processors might be available for as little as $99. Modern 12th Gen i3 processors already offer a 25 to 30 IPC advantage over the 4790s.
The Core i3-12100 and i3-12100f are estimated to be 50 to 60% faster than the i7 4790s in 2030, primarily due to higher clock speeds and improved IPC. This means that even in 2023, a 16-year-old processor like the i7 4790s would be considered obsolete, much like how a Core 2 Quad is viewed today.
Conclusion
The i7 4790s is not a high-end processor in 2023 and is unlikely to be considered one in 2030. The advancements in CPU technology will continue to render older processors obsolete, and it is imperative for consumers and businesses to keep up with the latest hardware to ensure optimal performance.