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. The Core i7-4500U is positioned at rank #1183 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 i7-4500U

#1171

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

4687%

#1172

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

4618%

#1173

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

4240%

#1174

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

4220%

#1175

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

4182%

#1177

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

4038%

#1178

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3872%

#1179

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3866%

#1180

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3762%

#1183

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

100%

#1185

Athlon Neo X2 L325

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

98%

#1186

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

97%

#1187

Core i3-3217UE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

97%

#1188

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

96%

#1189

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

96%

#1190

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

93%

#1193

Celeron 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

90%

#1194

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

90%

#1195

Core 2 Solo SU3500

MSRP: $262|Avg: $15

89%

#1196

Core 2 Duo E8335

MSRP: $200|Avg: $50

87%

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.

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.

Specification	Core i7-4500U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell-ULT (2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,300 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,490

🧠

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.

Specification	Core i7-4500U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1168
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	12
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 4400
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Haswell-U
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

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

Specification	Core i7-4500U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

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.

Specification	Core i7-4500U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	false

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $398, the Core i7-4500U delivers 6 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1183 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2393 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-4500U
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$398
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1183
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2393
Release DateLaunch date	4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel