CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4250U vs Core i7-660UM
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.
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Gaming
Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Virtualization
Basic VM support.
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent battery life.
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can run old games better than HD 4400.
- 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
- 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
- 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 i5-4250U
- 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.
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
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 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 i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U or Core i7-660UM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4250U leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i5-4250U and Core i7-660UM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4250U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4250U (15 W), Core i7-660UM (18 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4250U and Core i7-660UM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4250U: 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 i5-4250U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4250U (2,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.