CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4558U vs Intel Core i5-4288U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4558U is a specialized mobile processor launched in June 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell-ULT family. Designed for premium thin-and-light laptops, it operates at a higher 28-watt TDP compared to standard 15W U-series processors. Built on the 22nm process, it features 2 cores and 4 threads. The increased power envelope allows for a significantly higher base clock of 2.8 GHz and a boost clock of up to 3.3 GHz. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel Iris Graphics 5100, which offers superior graphical performance compared to standard HD graphics. This makes the i7-4558U uniquely capable of handling light gaming and hardware-accelerated video editing without a dedicated GPU. While it runs warmer than standard ultrabook chips, its combination of high clock speeds and powerful integrated graphics makes it a sought-after option for compact, high-performance portable systems.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clock speeds ensure good performance in office apps.
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
Gaming
Iris 5100 allows for playable frame rates in older or well-optimized games.
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running one light VM, but limited by 2 cores.
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Efficiency
28W TDP is warmer than 15W parts but justified by performance.
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris 5100 is a major step up from HD 4400
- Can run older games at low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12_1
- Suitable only for retro or extremely light gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Good integrated graphics for its era
- 28W TDP offers better sustained performance than 15W chips
- Supports Hyper-Threading
- Solid single-thread performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and unsupported by modern OS standards
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Weak by modern mobile standards
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i5-4288U
- AMD A10-5757MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5357MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen mobile chip with 4 cores that can be found in cheap used laptops.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
A budget modern mobile alternative with better Vega graphics.
A modern dual-core that massively outperforms this chip in single and multi-core.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
If looking at older MacBooks, the M1 offers a revolutionary leap in performance and battery.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
A modern hexa-core mobile chip offering immense value in the used market.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA capable processor for its time that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap, used laptop strictly for basic web browsing or as a typewriter.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4558U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4288U comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i7-4558U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4288U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i7-4558U and Intel Core i5-4288U.
Do Intel Core i7-4558U and Intel Core i5-4288U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.