CPU Comparison
Core i7-4600M vs Core i7-4610M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4600M is a mainstream mobile processor launched in September 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm dual-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 4 threads simultaneously. It operates at a high base frequency of 2.9 GHz and boosts up to 3.6 GHz, prioritizing single-threaded performance for everyday computing and business applications. With a 37W TDP, it is designed for standard laptop chassis with active cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G3 (rPGA946B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable, a rarity in modern laptops. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-4600M was a popular choice for mid-range business laptops and budget gaming rigs where a dedicated GPU handled graphics, offering a strong balance of clock speed and cost.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 2.9 GHz base clock
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good single-threaded performance
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP limits battery life compared to U-series
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- HD 4600 graphics are weak for gaming
Pros
- High 3.0 GHz base clock
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Excellent single-threaded performance
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP limits battery life
- Obsolete DDR3 memory support
- Hard to find on the used market
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-4600M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4610MAlt
Slightly faster clock speed version of the same chip.
Core i7-4610M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4600MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4300MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4702MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3540MAlt
Previous generation alternative if upgrading an Ivy Bridge laptop.
Our Verdict on Each
A fast dual-core mobile CPU for 2013, offering excellent single-threaded performance, but its lack of physical cores limits modern multi-tasking.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop on the cheap
Read the full reviewA fast dual-core mobile CPU offering excellent single-threaded burst performance, but its lack of physical cores limits modern multi-tasking.
Best for: Upgrading a Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Core i7-4600M and Core i7-4610M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Socket G3 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.