Core i7-4600U vs A6-9400

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i7-4600U

2 / 4

2,720

+0.1%

2,717

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

About PassMark

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-4600U is positioned at rank #753 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4600U

#741

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1079%

#742

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1063%

#743

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

976%

#744

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

971%

#745

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

962%

#747

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

929%

#748

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

891%

#749

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

890%

#750

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

866%

#753

Core i7-4600U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#757

Core i7-11370H

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

100%

#761

Core i3-N300

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

99%

#767

Core i7-1250U

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The A6-9400 (2019) utilizes 28 nm technology and DDR4-2400, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i7-4600U	A6-9400
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Haswell-ULT (2013) / 22 nm)	✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i7-4600U (2013) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i7-4600U	A6-9400
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Core i7-4600U Benchmark Check

A6-9400 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

No prediction data available

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-4600U and A6-9400

Core i7-4600U

The Core i7-4600U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,720 points. Launch price was $398.

A6-9400

The A6-9400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,717 points. Launch price was $70.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-4600U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-9400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4600U versus 3.7 GHz on the A6-9400 — a 11.4% clock advantage for the A6-9400 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-4600U uses the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the A6-9400 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4600U scores 2,720 against the A6-9400's 2,717 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4600U.

Feature	Core i7-4600U	A6-9400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.4 GHz+62%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	1 MB (total)+300%
Process	22 nm-21%	28 nm
Architecture	Haswell-ULT (2013)	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,720	2,717

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4600U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A6-9400 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.