Core i7-4600M
Intel
PassMark
3,204
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 i7-4600M 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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-4600M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Apex Legends
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Elden Ring
Fortnite
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
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
Performance ranking position: #2194 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i7-4600M |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $346 |
| 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 |
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
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core i7 |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $346 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 1 September 2013 (12 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2194 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 118 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.9 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,300 million |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 100 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | PGA946 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 37 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i7-4600M
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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