Core i5-4330M vs Core i7-4600M

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-4330M vs Core i7-4600M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-4330M vs Core i7-4600M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-4330M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,202 vs 3,204).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-4600M

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4600M better than Core i5-4330M?

Yes. Core i7-4600M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4600M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4600M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-4600M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4600M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-4600M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4330M vs Core i7-4600M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-4330M

The Core i5-4330M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,202 points. Launch price was $275.

Core i7-4600M

The Core i7-4600M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,204 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4330M and Core i7-4600M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-4330M versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4600M — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4600M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4330M scores 3,202 against the Core i7-4600M's 3,204 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4600M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4330M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-4330M	Core i7-4600M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	2.9 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,202	3,204
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	656
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,025
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,132

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA946 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-4330M	Core i7-4600M
Socket	PGA946	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	DDR3L 1600 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4330M) vs true (Core i7-4600M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4330M) and Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4600M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4330M targets Mobile, Core i7-4600M targets Mobile.