Quick Verdict
A highly efficient dual-core CPU for its time, but severely lacking in performance for modern tasks.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4500U is an ultra-low power mobile processor launched in June 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell-ULT family. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it features 2 cores and 4 threads, a downgrade from the quad-core designs of previous mobile i7s, but optimized for a 15-watt TDP. Built on the 22nm process, it operates at a base clock of 1.8 GHz and can boost up to 3.0 GHz. The processor includes 4MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4400. The 'U' suffix denotes its ultra-low power nature, prioritizing battery life over raw performance. While its dual-core design limits multi-threaded performance, its aggressive turbo boost ensures snappy responsiveness for everyday productivity. The i7-4500U became a popular choice for ultrabooks of its era, bringing good single-core performance to the portable form factor.
Launched in 2013, the Intel Core i7-4500U is a Haswell mobile CPU featuring 2 cores and 4 threads. With a max turbo of 3.0 GHz, it delivers decent single-core performance.
Its 15W TDP makes it ideal for ultrabooks, but its dual-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking.
Specifications
Performance
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
- •HD 4400 is too weak
- •Only suitable for 2D games
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell-ULT
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4500U utilizes the Haswell-ULT microarchitecture, a variant of Haswell specifically designed for ultra-low power mobile devices. Built on the 22nm process, it features 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 4 concurrent threads. The architecture focuses heavily on power efficiency, introducing new low-power C-states that allow the processor to draw minimal power when idle. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. For graphics, it relies on Intel HD Graphics 4400, which features 20 execution units. The architecture routes 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU. While it lacks the core count of standard mobile i7s, the Haswell-ULT architecture enabled the creation of thin-and-light ultrabooks with respectable battery life. This architecture was a key stepping stone in Intel's evolution toward highly efficient mobile processors.
CPU Design
2 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
12 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Better power efficiency
- Improved integrated graphics
- Higher IPC
Key Highlights
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 15W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
History
Launched on June 4, 2013, the Intel Core i7-4500U was part of the Haswell-ULT family, designed specifically for the growing ultrabook market. Prior to its release, ultra-low power processors were strictly limited to 2 cores, and the 4500U continued this trend, focusing on power efficiency rather than raw multi-threaded performance. The 15-watt TDP allowed manufacturers to build incredibly thin and light laptops with respectable battery life.
The 4500U was widely adopted across the industry, powering flagship ultrabooks of the era. While its dual-core design was a compromise to fit the 15W TDP, its aggressive turbo frequencies provided a noticeable boost in everyday responsiveness. This processor set the standard for ultrabook performance that continued until Intel transitioned to quad-core U-series designs with the 8th generation.
Today, the 4500U is considered end-of-life but represents a key step in mobile computing evolution.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Better power efficiency
- Improved integrated graphics
- Higher IPC
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-4500U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price. It remains capable of very basic web browsing and document editing, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Need modern multitasking
- Want to play games
- Need Windows 11 support
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'U' suffix stands for Ultra-low power.
It has a default TDP of 15 watts.
It features 2 cores, unlike the 4 cores of standard mobile i7s.
It supports Intel Optane Memory.
The chip is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1168).
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
It was heavily featured in 2013 ultrabooks.
The processor has 1.3 billion transistors.
The die size is 118 mm².
The max turbo frequency is 3.0 GHz.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4500U good for gaming?
No, it is only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
What is the TDP of the i7-4500U?
It has a default TDP of 15 watts.
Does the i7-4500U have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it features 2 cores and 4 threads.
Can the i7-4500U be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What socket does the i7-4500U use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket.
Does the i7-4500U support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the base clock of the i7-4500U?
The base clock is 1.8 GHz.
What generation is the i7-4500U?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-4500U have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4400.
Can the i7-4500U run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-4500U released?
It was released on June 4th, 2013.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-4500U?
It can boost up to 3.0 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-4500U have?
It has 4MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-4500U support natively?
It natively supports DDR3-1600 memory.
Is the i7-4500U unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the die size of the i7-4500U?
The die size is 118 mm².
Does the i7-4500U support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 12 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-4500U good for video editing?
No, it is too slow for any video editing.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-4500U?
It supports up to 16GB of RAM.
Why does the i7-4500U only have 2 cores?
It is a 'U' series chip, prioritizing low power over core count.