CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4250U vs Intel Core i7-4550U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4250U is a specialized dual-core mobile processor released in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) family. While it shares the same 15-watt TDP and dual-core, four-thread configuration as other U-series chips, it distinguishes itself by integrating Intel HD Graphics 5000 instead of the standard HD 4400. This graphics upgrade features 40 execution units, double the amount found in the 4400, making it highly capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks for its form factor. Operating at a base clock of 1.3 GHz with a turbo boost up to 2.6 GHz, it was optimized for systems that required better graphical output without sacrificing battery life. This specific chip was heavily favored by Apple for its 2013 MacBook Air lineup, where its efficient power consumption and enhanced integrated graphics provided an excellent balance of performance and longevity for on-the-go users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
CPU performance is low.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.
HD 5000 is slightly better than HD 4400 but still too weak for modern games.
Virtualization
Basic VM support.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
Excellent battery life.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can run old games better than HD 4400.
- 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
- HD 5000 graphics were class-leading
- Great battery life
- Perfect for 2013 MacBook Air
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Soldered to motherboard
- No modern OS support
- Low base clock
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- 22nm process is outdated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 i5-4250U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4610YRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4260UAlt
Slightly faster version for MacBooks.
- Intel Core i5-8210YAlt
Modern MacBook Air alternative.
- Alt
Lightyears ahead in performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Cheap modern Windows alternative.
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
Superior integrated graphics for its era, but the CPU component is now obsolete.
Best for: Used 2013 MacBook Air for basic typing
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 is better, Intel Core i5-4250U or Intel Core i7-4550U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4250U comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. 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 i5-4250U or Intel Core i7-4550U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4250U leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i7-4550U.
Do Intel Core i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4250U (2,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.