Are you still using the Intel Core i7-4790k? You’re not alone! It’s a great CPU that can still deliver excellent performance for gaming and other tasks. However, you need a GPU to fully utilize its capabilities to keep up with the latest games and applications.
Plenty of graphics cards are compatible with this CPU and can deliver your desired performance. This article will help you find the best GPU for your i7-4790k.
At a Glance:
- Advanced software.
- Looks aesthetically pleasing.
- RGB fits right on.
- Works quietly.
- Compact and sturdy design.
- Flawless DLSS and ray-tracing performance.
- Operates efficiently and quietly even when under load.
Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or someone who needs a powerful GPU for their work, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be exploring some of the best GPUs that work seamlessly with the i7-4790k so that you can take your computing experience to the next level.
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How To Choose The Right GPU For Intel Core I7 4790K
Before making your final choice, you should consider a few factors when choosing the best GPU for your Intel Core i7-4790K processor. The following are six critical factors to consider when purchasing a GPU for your i7-4790K:
Compatibility
Firstly, ensuring that your GPU is compatible with your CPU is essential. The i7-4790K uses a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, a standard slot for modern GPUs. Checking your motherboard and power supply unit (PSU) compatibility is essential before you purchase a GPU.
Performance
Look for a GPU that can handle the demands of modern games and applications, particularly if you plan to use your system for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks. You can check benchmarks to see how different GPUs compare in performance.
Memory
The amount of memory on the GPU is also an important consideration. The more memory a GPU has, the more data it can handle simultaneously, which is crucial for demanding applications. However, it is essential to remember that more memory does not necessarily equate to improved performance. Be sure to determine your usage scenario and choose a GPU with an appropriate amount of memory.
Cooling
Considering the cooling system of the GPU is also essential. Since GPUs generate significant heat, you need a cooling solution that will allow them to run at optimal temperatures. Consider a GPU with an efficient cooling system that can handle the heat generated by the GPU, especially if you intend to overclock it.
Price
The price of the GPU is an essential consideration for many people. GPUs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Although a more expensive GPU may provide higher performance, it is only sometimes necessary to spend a lot of money on a GPU. Consider your budget and choose a GPU that offers excellent value.
Brand and Warranty
Finally, consider the brand and warranty of the GPU. Look for a GPU with a warranty that covers you in case of any defects or issues from a reputable brand that offers reliable products and good customer service. This will provide peace of mind and ensure you’re getting a quality product that lasts.
- What Makes GPU Maniac Trustworthy?
- How To Choose The Right GPU For Intel Core I7 4790K
- Compatibility
- Performance
- Memory
- Cooling
- Price
- Brand and Warranty
- Our Recommendations For The Best Graphics Cards For Core I7 4790K
- ZOTAC Geforce RTX 3050
- MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X
- EVGA GTX 1660 Super
- Sapphire Radeon RX 580 NITRO+
- ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Phoenix Fan Edition
- Summary For The Best GPU For Core I7 4790K
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Recommendations For The Best Graphics Cards For Core I7 4790K
| Design | Buying Guides | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Best Pick | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
Budget Pick  | Check Price | |
 | Check Price |
ZOTAC Geforce RTX 3050
Staff PickThe Zotac GeForce RTX 3050 Twin Edge OC Edition is out and available for an average retail price of $400. It’s available online on partnered websites and GPU retail stores in most areas. It’s one of the only few GPUs available for purchase.
The card’s design is sleek and well-built, with high-quality materials like other Zotac cards. RGB lights, however, are absent and could’ve been an addition to the card’s aesthetics, but if you’re going for more straightforward looks, it’s the right card for you.
It has dimensions of 222x115x40mm and weighs roundabout 600g. It’s bigger than other 3050 series cards but still relatively compact. It’s compatible with most PC cases without causing any compatibility issues.
OUR VERDICT
Zotac RTX 3050’s ray tracing is pretty advanced and works well with modern AAA titles. It can smoothly run games with ray-tracing enabled at 1080p. You can also try running the newer games on 1440p. It isn’t precisely recommended since it may not be an exceptionally flawless experience for some players.
Pros
- Compact and sturdy design.
- Flawless DLSS and ray-tracing performance.
- Operates efficiently and quietly even when under load.
Cons
- Slightly pricey.
- The real price is higher than the initial MSRP.
- Comparatively more expensive than its direct competitors.
MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X
Best PickMSI GTX 1080 Gaming X was first released in 2016. Although 6-7 years old, it is still considered among the list of best graphics cards in 2024.
It is a win-win situation if we pair an MSI GTX 1080 GamingX with an Intel Core i7 -4790k. We can run many latest titles with decent FPS with that rig.
The card comes with 8GBs of GDDR5 Vram and 10010 MHz of clock speed in gaming mode. Quality and quantity of ports are mounted on it, including 1x DVI, 2x HDMI 2.0, and 2x DisplayPort 1.4a. The power consumption is about 290+ W, and we suggest you use a 600W power supply unit.
This best graphics card for intel core i7 4790K is based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture which enhances the performance and makes it power efficient.
OUR VERDICT
Overall, MSI GTX 1080 GamingX is an excellent choice to pair with Intel core i7 -4790k. You can enjoy many recent AAA titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Elden Ring, etc., on med-high settings with 50-60 FPS on this rig.
If you want to play games with standard settings on a reasonable budget, then MSI GTX 1080 GamingX will be your best choice.
Pros
- Advanced software.
- Looks aesthetically pleasing.
- RGB fits right on.
- Works quietly.
Cons
- One LED is always locked on red.
- Minor performance issues.
EVGA GTX 1660 Super
NVIDIA’s EVGA GTX 1660 Super is a lovely card if you want some tech released after 2019. It is pretty perfect, power efficient, and durable. We can say it is an ideal bang for the buck if we connect it with a processor like Intel Core i7 -4790k.
Regarding NVIDIA`s EVGA GTX 1660 Super specifications, The card comes with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory Vram, 192 bits of the memory bus, and a bandwidth of about 336 GB/s. The clock speed of this GPU is also stunning, Base speed is 1530 Megahertz, and the Boost speed is 1830 Megahertz. The power consumption of this card is about 125W.
There are meager chances of a bottleneck when using EVGA GTX 1660 Super with Core i7 -4790k. On gaming with ultra-settings, there can be only a 33% average chance of blockage, which is a scant chance.
OUR VERDICT
In Our opinion, NVIDIA`s EVGA GTX 1660 super is a decent card even though it doesn’t support some latest options like Raytracing or DLSS. Still, it can run many titles with satisfying graphics settings, and It is pretty reasonable for an Intel Core i7-4790k. Indeed it is one of the Best GPU For Intel Core I7 4790K in 2024.
Pros
- Immersive 1080p experience.
- Heating issues are minimal.
- Backplate and RGB are customizable.
- Quieter than its competitors.
Cons
- RTX features are absent.
- Lack of HDMI and Display ports.
Sapphire Radeon RX 580 NITRO+
Budget PickSapphire Radeon RX580 Nitro+ is a mid-range card that costs about 270$, in its price range. It’s almost a steal because of its excellent efficiency and working. Its body and aesthetics aren’t particularly appealing to the eye, but it maintains a neutral look and uses a whole color scheme (Mostly gray and graphite).
Its SKU has a boost clock of 1,411MHz and two top-notch dual-link DVI-D ports. The DualX cooler has been improved significantly. It uses thermal pads to connect the GDDR5 chips and GPU MOSFETs to the heatsink to reduce the amount of heat produced.
The heatsink of this Best GPU For Intel Core I7 4790K uses a pair of 95mm cooling fans of the latest design, which are easily replaceable if damaged.
OUR VERDICT
Sapphire Radeon RX580 Nitro+ is a fantastic card in its price range and ahead of its key competitors. Although you could do better if you’re looking for a sound card at a not-so-pricey budget, RX580 Nitro+ has to be the leading player of the mid-range cards.
As mentioned above, It can run most AAA titles without much hassle at the correct settings, and its superior design prevents it from overheating even in stressful conditions.
Pros
- Enhanced quality of VR gameplay.
- Reasonably priced.
- Good overclock efficiency.
Cons
- Slightly less efficient than its competitors.
- Rebrand of RX 480.
ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Phoenix Fan Edition
NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is last but not least on the list of these graphics cards. Although it is pretty old, it still can do a lot on a low budget, and it is a perfect match for a processor like Intel Core i7-4790k.
If you want to play the latest titles at minimum or some at med-high settings and cannot afford a high budget, then GTX 1050 Ti is a perfect choice.
NVIDIA’s Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti comes with 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM, connected with a 128-bit memory bus. It operates at an average clocking speed of about 1291 MHz and can be overclocked above. Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is not a wrong choice to pair with an Intel core i7 -4790k.
OUR VERDICT
We prefer you to use GTX 1050ti with core i7 -4790k if you are low on budget or want to get by simple gaming. Still, this card can give you decent FPS in some latest titles, and you can enjoy many titles.
Pros
- Compact size.
- Good performance.
Cons
- Could have achieved greater efficiency.
- Pricier than competition.
- Slight availability issues.
Summary For The Best GPU For Core I7 4790K
| Design | Buying Guides | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Best Pick | Check Price | |
| Check Price | |
Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Check Price |
Conclusion
In summary, selecting the ideal graphics card for your Intel Core i7-4790K processor can significantly elevate your overall computing experience, regardless of whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or require a powerful graphics card.
Our experts have recommended the best pick for the MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X. OUR CHOICE is the ZOTAC Geforce RTX 3050, and the Sapphire Radeon RX 580 NITRO+ is the budget-friendly choice. By considering compatibility, performance, memory, cooling, price, and brand/warranty, you can find the ideal GPU to fit your needs and budget.
A good GPU will allow you to run the latest games and applications smoothly, providing a responsive and enjoyable computing experience.
So take your time, research, and select a GPU that will help you get the most out of your i7-4790K CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPU is best for i7-4790K?
The MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X is the best GPU for i7-4790K.
Is the i7 4790K powerful?
Yes, the Intel Core i7-4790K is a powerful processor. It was released in 2014 and had a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.4 GHz. It features 4 physical cores and 8 threads and can handle demanding applications such as gaming, video editing, and streaming.
Will an i7 4790K bottleneck a GTX 1080?
No, the Intel Core i7-4790K will not likely bottleneck a GTX 1080. According to benchmark tests conducted at 1080p, 1440p, Ultrawide, and 4K resolutions on ultra-quality settings, the GTX 1080’s 8192 MB RAM is more than sufficient for modern games. It should not cause any bottlenecks when paired with the i7-4790K processor.
