Core i7-4500U
CPU·Budget

Core i7-4500U

Intel

PassMark

2,490

MSRP

$398

4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
15 Watt
Haswell-ULT (2013)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Overview

The Core i7-4500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 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: 2,490 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. 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 i7-4500U

#363
Core i7-2640M
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
113%
#364
Core M-5Y71
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
112%
#365
Core i7-2620M
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
112%
#366
Celeron N3010
MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A
110%
#367
Core i7-3537U
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
108%
#368
Core M-5Y10c
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
108%
#369
Core M-5Y10a
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
108%
#370
Celeron 1047UE
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
108%
#371
Core M-5Y70
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
108%
#372
Core i7-4510U
MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A
107%
#373
Core i3-4030U
MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A
107%
#374
Core i7-2637M
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
104%
#375
Core 2 Duo SL9600
MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A
104%
#376
Core 2 Duo T5600
MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A
103%
#377
Pentium N3510
MSRP: $161|Avg: $161
103%
#378
Core i7-4500U
MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A
100%
#379
Core i3-2370M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
97%
#380
Core m7-6Y75
MSRP: $393|Avg: $393
96%
#381
Pentium U5400
MSRP: $289|Avg: $214
96%
#382
Core Solo T1350
MSRP: $200|Avg: $70
92%
#383
Atom N475
MSRP: $75|Avg: N/A
86%
#384
Core i3-2312M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
84%
#385
Celeron 925
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
84%
#386
Core 2 Duo SU7300
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
83%
#387
Core Duo T2400
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
81%
#388
Pentium M 735
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
79%
#389
Core i7-620LM
MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A
78%
#390
Core i7-740QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
78%
#391
Celeron U3600
MSRP: $134|Avg: $134
74%
#392
Core i5-2537M
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
73%
#393
Core i7-720QM
MSRP: $364|Avg: N/A
73%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-4500U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high61 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low61 FPS
medium53 FPS
high50 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low43 FPS
medium39 FPS
high28 FPS
ultra20 FPS
Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high53 FPS
ultra47 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low49 FPS
medium40 FPS
high36 FPS
ultra32 FPS
Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
1440p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
4k
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra54 FPS
Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra61 FPS
1440p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra51 FPS
4k
low62 FPS
medium58 FPS
high51 FPS
ultra35 FPS
Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra61 FPS
1440p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra47 FPS
4k
low54 FPS
medium46 FPS
high37 FPS
ultra33 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra55 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra55 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra41 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
1440p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
4k
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
1440p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
4k
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low48 FPS
medium42 FPS
high35 FPS
ultra29 FPS
1440p
low33 FPS
medium28 FPS
high26 FPS
ultra20 FPS
4k
low15 FPS
medium13 FPS
high10 FPS
ultra8 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
1440p
low62 FPS
medium62 FPS
high62 FPS
ultra62 FPS
4k
low62 FPS
medium57 FPS
high44 FPS
ultra34 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-4500U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4500U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,490, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i7-4500U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designHaswell-ULT (2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor118 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,300 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,490
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4500U fits into the FCBGA1168 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i7-4500U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1168
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion12
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics 4400
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHaswell-U
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-4500U is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i7-4500U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryMobile
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologytrue
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-4500U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler.

SpecificationCore i7-4500U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxfalse
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $398, the Core i7-4500U delivers 6 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2393 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-4500U
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$398
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2393
Release DateLaunch date4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core i7
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$69
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture CodenameHaswell-ULT (2013)
Performance Ranking Position2393

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores2
Threads4
Die Size118 mm2
L1 Cache64K (per core)
L2 Cache256K (per core)
L3 Cache4 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Max Frequency3 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency1.8 GHz
Transistor Count1,300 million
Process Technology22 nm
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketFCBGA1168
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)15 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth25.6 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity16 GB

Our Recommendation for Core i7-4500U

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core i7-4500U

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