CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4200U vs Core i7-660UM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4200U is a dual-core, ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) lineup. With a 15-watt TDP, it became the quintessential processor for the era's Ultrabooks, striking a balance between power efficiency and everyday performance. It features two physical cores and four threads thanks to Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, allowing it to handle multitasking with relative ease. The base clock speed is set at 1.6 GHz, dynamically boosting up to 2.6 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost technology when demanding workloads require extra performance. The processor is equipped with 3 MB of SmartCache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4400, offering smooth 1080p video playback and the ability to play light casual games. It was a defining chip for mainstream thin-and-light laptops, offering an excellent blend of battery life and productivity performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Noticeable lag with modern multitasking.
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Gaming
Handles only old or 2D indie games.
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Virtualization
Can run one light VM.
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Efficiency
Great battery life for its time.
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware.
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4400 is too weak for modern 3D games.
- Only suitable for legacy games
- Weak integrated graphics
- No support for modern APIs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent efficiency for 2013
- Good turbo boost frequency
- Hardware video encoding
- Wide adoption
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- BGA soldered
- Struggles with modern web
- No Windows 11 support
Pros
- Low 18W TDP
- Turbo Boost capability
- AES-NI support
- Hyper-Threading
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- BGA soldered package
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4200U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
Slightly faster refresh model.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4600UAlt
Higher clocks and better graphics.
Broadwell successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Much faster modern budget chip.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
Superior modern alternative.
Core i7-660UM
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600Rival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Athlon II Neo K325Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-640UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-520UMAlt
Similar performance at a lower price point for legacy systems.
- Intel Core i7-660UEAlt
Embedded variant with ECC support.
- Intel Core 2 Duo SL9600Alt
Older generation but comparable in power envelope.
- AMD Phenom II P920Alt
AMD alternative with more cores but higher power.
- Intel Core i5-470UMAlt
Slightly lower tier with similar architecture.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary battery-life champion in its day, but obsolete for modern multitasking.
Best for: Extremely cheap used laptop for basic text editing
Read the full reviewA pioneering low-power chip for its time, but its performance is heavily outclassed by modern mobile processors.
Best for: Maintaining legacy hardware
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4200U or Core i7-660UM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-660UM comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4200U or Core i7-660UM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4200U leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-4200U and Core i7-660UM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4200U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4200U (15 W), Core i7-660UM (18 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4200U and Core i7-660UM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4200U: Intel BGA 1168, Core i7-660UM: Intel BGA 1288), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4200U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4200U (3,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.