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Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-4600M is positioned at rank #71 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Balanced 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 i7-4600M

#15

Ryzen 5 220

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

98%

#18

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

94%

#59

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

229%

#60

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

226%

#61

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

207%

#62

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

206%

#63

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

204%

#65

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

197%

#66

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

189%

#67

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

189%

#68

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

184%

#71

Core i7-4600M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#75

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

98%

#79

Atom D2500

MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-4600M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-4600M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-4600M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.9 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 3,204, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,025, while multi-core reaches 2,132. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 656.

Specification	Core i7-4600M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell (2013−2015)
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	3,204
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	656
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,025
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	2,132

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4600M fits into the PGA946 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L 1600 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-4600M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA946
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3L 1600 MHz
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
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 4600
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-4600M is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-4600M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-4600M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 37 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-4600M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	37 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #71 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2194 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-4600M
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$346
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#71
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2194
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel