CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3667U vs Intel Core i7-4550U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3667U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in June 2012 as the premium tier of the Ivy Bridge ULV family. Designed for high-end ultrabooks, it operates at a 17-watt TDP. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 2 cores and 4 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 2.0 GHz and can boost up to 3.2 GHz. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 4000 provides a significant graphical uplift over previous generations, capable of handling 1080p video decoding and light gaming. While its dual-core design limits multi-threaded performance, the 3667U was one of the fastest mobile dual-core processors available in 2012, offering excellent single-core responsiveness for demanding ultrabook users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
HD 5000 is slightly better than HD 4400 but still too weak for modern games.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 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
- Was efficient in 2012
- Good single-core burst performance
- 17W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
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- 22nm process is outdated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 i7-3667U
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3427URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2677MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-4555MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3517URival
Mobile
Successor with better efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head
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 top-tier 2012 ultrabook chip, but its dual-core design is too slow for modern multitasking.
Best for: When considering the Intel Core i7-3667U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at a rock-bottom price. It remains capable of basic web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking and heavy web applications. 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 or for students who need a basic word processor on the go. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended for better efficiency, security, and overall performance.
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 faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-3667U or Intel Core i7-4550U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4550U leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i7-3667U and Intel Core i7-4550U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4550U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3667U (17 W), Intel Core i7-4550U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3667U and Intel Core i7-4550U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3667U: Intel BGA 1023, Intel Core i7-4550U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.