Question about CPUs

[techhead287]

I was taking a look at some parts for a build I might be making soon, and the CPU I was looking at was an Intel Core i7-4790K. One very interesting thing I noticed was that Intel's ARK processor page stated that this 4.4GHz quad-core 8MB cache CPU cost $330 - while the 3.1GHz dual-core 4MB cache i7-4510U in my current laptop was shown as $390 on Intel's same ARK page.

So I'm wondering, why does this worse performing 4510U cost considerably more than the higher performing 4790K?

 

[theveterans]

It's a lot harder to make a low voltage CPU that can go up to 3.1 GHz stable.

 

[popeye]

Yep, a desktop CPU versus a laptop CPU. A bit like comparing apples to oranges.

 

[LMiller7]

Laptop and desktop CPUs are not the same and it is not possible to make direct price comparisons between them. It is essentially comparing apples and oranges. In a desktop CPU performance is a major priority and that is what you are paying for. Designing and building a CPU that must operate under the severe constraints of a laptop is something entirely different. As enormous amount of effort has gone into building such a CPU with low power consumption yet still provides acceptable performance and can be sold at a reasonable price. This is far more difficult than most people imagine. The operating constraints of a desktop CPU are much less severe and it should not be surprising that you can get more performance for a lower cost.

 

[azasadny]

Good points made here!