Review: Intel Core i7-4770R (22nm Haswell)

Conclusion

An examination of the Core i7-4770R processor is illuminating because it reveals the likely direction Intel is taking with its next generation of enthusiast-class consumer desktop CPUs.

The Core i7-4770R takes most of the goodness baked into the Core i7-4770K and augments it with improved graphics by way of integration of Iris Pro 5200. Further boosting performance is 128MB of on-package eDRAM cache, acting as a super-large buffer for both the CPU and GPU.

The Iris Pro integrated graphics are at least on a par with AMD's finest featured in the new Kaveri APUs. As an all-round solution for instances where a discrete video card cannot be used, Core i7-4770R makes sense, if you can stomach the high asking price and can find it integrated into a small-form-factor system.

We feel as if the reviewed processor is Intel trying to see what works for different form factors and markets, presaging what we're likely to see later on this year with the socketed Broadwell K-series chips.

The Good

Excellent all-round performance
Much-improved graphics
Solid power consumption
Lays groundwork for Broadwell K

The Bad

Not a true desktop chip
Not available to buy

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Intel Core i7-4770R

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