CPU Comparison
Core i7-4650U vs Intel Core i5-4288U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4650U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in June 2013 as part of the initial Haswell rollout. Designed for premium ultrabooks, this 15W dual-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 4 threads concurrently. It operates at a base frequency of 1.7 GHz and can boost up to 3.3 GHz, dynamically scaling its performance based on thermal headroom. Built on Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process, it utilizes the BGA 1168 socket, soldering it directly to the motherboard. The chip includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports DDR3 memory. A key differentiator of this SKU is the inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 5000, which doubles the execution units compared to standard HD 4400 graphics, offering superior media processing and light gaming capabilities. The i7-4650U was targeted at business professionals and consumers needing a balance of high efficiency and snappy single-threaded responsiveness in extremely portable form factors.
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- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today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 15W power efficiency
- HD 5000 graphics are capable for legacy media
- Good burst single-core performance
- Enabled extremely thin laptop designs
Cons
- Low 1.7 GHz base clock
- Only 2 physical cores
- Soldered BGA package
- Obsolete DDR3 memory support
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 i7-4650U
- 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
- Intel Core i7-4600URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5500UAlt
Broadwell successor with 14nm efficiency.
Previous generation alternative if upgrading an Ivy Bridge system.
Compare head-to-head
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 strong ultrabook chip for 2013, offering excellent efficiency and graphics, but its low base clock and dual-core design show their age today.
Best for: Buying a retro ultrabook for basic typing tasks
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 i7-4650U 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 i7-4650U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4288U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-4650U and Intel Core i5-4288U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-4650U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-4650U (15 W), Intel Core i5-4288U (28 W).
Do Core i7-4650U and Intel Core i5-4288U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4650U: BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-4288U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4650U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4650U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.