CPU Comparison
Core i7-4600U vs Intel Core i5-4288U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4600U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in September 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell lineup. Designed specifically for thin-and-light ultrabooks, this dual-core CPU features Hyper-Threading to handle 4 threads simultaneously. Operating at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and boosting up to 3.3 GHz, it delivered strong single-threaded performance for its 15W thermal envelope. The processor is built on Intel's 22nm process and utilizes the BGA 1168 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. One of its standout features is the inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 5000, which offers significantly more execution units than standard HD 4600, providing better integrated graphics performance for light gaming and media workloads. With 4MB of L3 cache and support for DDR3 memory, the i7-4600U was a premium choice for business ultrabooks where battery life and compact dimensions were prioritized over raw multi-core horsepower.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
Gaming
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Efficiency
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today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
- Excellent power efficiency for 2013
- HD 5000 graphics offer decent legacy media playback
- Good single-core burst performance
- Enabled thinner laptop designs
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
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
Core i7-4600U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- AMD A6-5357MRival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5600UAlt
Broadwell successor with better efficiency and performance.
- Intel Core i5-4300UAlt
Similar performance for a lower price point.
Previous generation Ivy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4650UAlt
Slightly lower base clock but otherwise nearly identical.
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 capable ultrabook chip for 2013 that offered great battery life and improved graphics, but its dual-core design is severely outdated for modern workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a cheap used laptop for basic Linux computing
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, Core i7-4600U 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, Core i7-4600U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4288U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-4600U and Intel Core i5-4288U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-4600U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-4600U (15 W), Intel Core i5-4288U (28 W).
Do Core i7-4600U and Intel Core i5-4288U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4600U: BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-4288U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4600U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4600U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.