CPU Comparison
Core i7-4600M vs Intel Core i5-4300M
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 3.6 GHz turbo boost keeps single-threaded tasks feeling responsive, though 2 cores limit heavy multitasking.
Gaming
HD 5000 graphics allow for playable framerates in older games at 720p or 1080p on low settings.
Virtualization
Decent for light VMs thanks to VT-d support, but limited by the dual-core design.
Efficiency
37W TDP is standard for mobile but runs warmer and less efficiently than modern 15W chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Dual-core limits inference performance
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Comparable to a low-end discrete mobile GPU
- Can run Skyrim or CS:GO on low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
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 3.6 GHz turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- Socketed design allows for upgrades
- HD 5000 graphics are decent for older games
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP runs warm and drains battery faster than 'U' models
- End-of-life and outdated
- Locked multiplier
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.
Intel Core i5-4300M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3230MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5350MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen quad-core mobile chip that runs cooler and uses less power.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
A modern mobile quad-core with Vega graphics that vastly outperforms this chip.
- Intel Core i5-4300M (Used)Alt
If repairing an old laptop, finding a used i7-4700MQ or MQ chip for the same socket is a better upgrade.
A modern dual-core mobile chip that obliterates this i5 in performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget desktop alternative if moving away from old mobile platforms.
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 solid mainstream mobile processor for its era, offering good single-core turbo speeds and decent integrated graphics, though lacking modern multi-core power.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap used business laptop for basic typing or offline work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-4600M or Intel Core i5-4300M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4300M leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Core i7-4600M and Intel Core i5-4300M.
Do Core i7-4600M and Intel Core i5-4300M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4600M: Socket G3, Intel Core i5-4300M: Intel Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4600M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4600M (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.