CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4200Y vs Intel Core i7-4550U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4200Y is an ultra-low voltage dual-core processor introduced in mid-2013 as part of the 4th generation Core family. Designed specifically for the thinnest and lightest mobile devices, including tablets and 2-in-1 hybrids, it operates within a strict 12-watt thermal envelope. Despite its low power consumption, it features Hyper-Threading, allowing its two physical cores to process four threads simultaneously, which aids in basic multitasking. Running at a base frequency of 1.4 GHz with the ability to boost up to 1.9 GHz, it balances performance with extreme power efficiency. It also integrates Intel HD Graphics 4200, providing adequate visuals for media consumption and casual workloads. The chip was a cornerstone for the Windows tablet era, enabling fanless designs and all-day battery life while delivering sufficient computational power for everyday computing tasks like web browsing and document editing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Struggles with modern multitasking.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Incapable of running modern titles.
HD 5000 is slightly better than HD 4400 but still too weak for modern games.
Virtualization
Not recommended for virtual machines.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its era.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only handles old or very light 2D games.
- HD 5000 is too weak for modern gaming
- Suitable only for older 2D games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 12W TDP
- Enabled fanless designs
- Good battery life
- Hardware video acceleration
Cons
- Very low clock speeds
- BGA soldered, no upgrades
- Obsolete for modern tasks
- Limited to 16GB DDR3
Pros
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 15W TDP
- Better graphics than 4500U
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4200Y
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010YRival
Mobile
- Intel Atom Z3770Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4300YAlt
Slightly faster Y-series chip.
Better performance if you can handle 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core m3-6Y30Alt
Much newer and more efficient.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Vastly superior modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern dual-core with much better IPC.
Intel Core i7-4550U
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
Modern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative with 4 cores.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Great budget performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A pioneering chip for Windows tablets, but severely underpowered for modern workloads.
Best for: Retro computing or free hand-me-down device
Read the full reviewA capable 2013 ultrabook chip with better graphics than the 4500U, but too slow for modern tasks.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-4550U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price. It remains capable of very basic web browsing and document editing, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4200Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4200Y (12 W), Intel Core i7-4550U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i7-4550U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4200Y posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4200Y (2,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.