CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4550U vs Intel Core i7-4558U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4550U is an ultra-low power mobile processor launched in June 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell-ULT family. Designed for premium thin-and-light laptops, it features 2 cores and 4 threads within a 15-watt TDP. Built on the 22nm process, it operates at a base clock of 1.5 GHz and can boost up to 3.0 GHz. The processor includes 4MB of L3 cache. Its distinguishing feature is the integration of Intel HD Graphics 5000, offering better graphical performance than the HD 4400 found in the 4500U. The 'U' suffix denotes its ultra-low power nature, prioritizing battery life. While its dual-core design limits multi-threaded performance, its aggressive turbo boost ensures snappy responsiveness for everyday productivity. The i7-4550U was a popular choice for high-end ultrabooks, bringing improved graphics to the portable form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
High clock speeds ensure good performance in office apps.
Gaming
HD 5000 is slightly better than HD 4400 but still too weak for modern games.
Iris 5100 allows for playable frame rates in older or well-optimized games.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Capable of running one light VM, but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
28W TDP is warmer than 15W parts but justified by performance.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No dedicated AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 5000 is too weak for modern gaming
- Suitable only for older 2D games
- Iris 5100 is a major step up from HD 4400
- Can run older games at low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- 22nm process is outdated
Pros
- High 3.3 GHz boost clock
- Iris 5100 graphics with eDRAM
- 28W TDP allows good sustained performance
- Excellent single-core speed
Cons
- Runs warmer than 15W U-series chips
- Soldered to motherboard
- 22nm process is outdated
- Only 2 cores
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-4558U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4258URival
Mobile
- AMD A10-5757MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5557UAlt
5th Gen successor with Iris 6100 graphics.
- Alt
Vastly superior performance and efficiency for Mac users.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 4800UAlt
Much better multi-core performance in a similar power bracket.
Modern alternative with massive IPC and graphics improvements.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with 6 cores.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA premium 28W mobile CPU that combined high clock speeds with Iris graphics, delivering an excellent balance of CPU and GPU performance for 2013.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-4558U, you are likely looking at a used MacBook Pro or a premium ultrabook. This processor remains capable for everyday productivity, programming, and light 1080p video editing. The inclusion of Iris 5100 graphics provides a noticeable boost in graphical tasks compared to standard U-series chips. It is an excellent choice for users who need a compact, moderately powerful machine without paying the premium for modern hardware. However, be aware that it is an older Intel-based Mac, meaning it will eventually lose macOS support. Avoid this processor if you need to run modern AAA games or heavy 3D rendering workloads. It is best purchased at a discount for general use.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4550U or Intel Core i7-4558U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4558U comes out ahead with a score of 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 i7-4550U or Intel Core i7-4558U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4558U leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i7-4550U and Intel Core i7-4558U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4550U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4550U (15 W), Intel Core i7-4558U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4550U and Intel Core i7-4558U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.