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Intel Core i7 4558U Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$450
PassMark benchmark result: 2976
N. of physical cores: 2
CPU boost clock speed: 3.3 GHz

Intel Core i7 4558U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Poor

3.7

Poor

?

2.3
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
2.5
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
2.7
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.6
L3 cache
8.0%
1.0
N. of physical cores
1.3
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
1.2
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
1.0
N. of physical cores
20.0%
1.6
CPU threads
15.0%
1.6
L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

N/A~ £400

Best rankings

#558 in Best Mobile CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4558U is a dual-core, 22nm Haswell-based mobile processor released in 2013, primarily designed for larger ultrabooks. It features a base clock frequency of 2.80 GHz with a Max Turbo frequency of 3.30 GHz, supported by 4 threads via Hyper-Threading and a 4 MB Intel Smart Cache. A key advantage is its integrated Intel Iris Graphics 5100, which includes 40 execution units and significantly outperforms standard integrated chips of its era. However, its 28W TDP is higher than the typical 15W found in many other 'U' series processors, leading to higher power consumption and increased thermal output that requires more robust cooling.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 4558U

Overall score

3.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

6.7

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

3.3

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

4.1

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

2.9

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

7.0

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

5.9

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i7 4558U vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 4558U better than the average processor?

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56.3% lower boost power
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.28 W vs 64 W
37.8% lower base power
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
37.8% lower TDP
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 4558U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i7 4558U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 4558U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
56.3% lower boost power
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
37.8% lower base power
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
37.8% lower TDP
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i7 4558U worse than the average processor?

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7 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 4558U has an older release date than the average processor (2,013 vs 2,020).
June 2013
Older CPU socket
Intel Core i7 4558U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,168 vs FP2).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 4558U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
23.3% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
27.4% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,802 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
79% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,007 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
33.2% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (982 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
71.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,976 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
4 fewer CPU threads
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
37.5% lower bus speed
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 4558U has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
66.7% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 4558U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
50% smaller L3 cache
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i7 4558U uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
73.7% fewer transistors
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.3 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
Less advanced foundry
Intel Core i7 4558U uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 4558U supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
Older PCIe version
Intel Core i7 4558U supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3.0).
4 fewer PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
75% less memory capacity
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
42.9% lower GPU clock speed
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (200 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 4558U does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
23.3% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i7 4558U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
27.4% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,802 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,802 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,802 vs 2,483
79% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,007 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,007 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,007 vs 4,793
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 4558U has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i7 4558U has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
33.2% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (982 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (982 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.982 vs 1,471
71.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,976 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,976 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,976 vs 10,532.5
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=6 MB
Intel Core i7 4558U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 4558U and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 4558U?

Features Iris Graphics 5100 with 40 execution units, significantly faster than standard HD 4000 graphics
Hyper-Threading support allows for better multitasking by handling four threads simultaneously
Equipped with a high base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and a Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz
Efficient Haswell architecture provides a 10% performance-per-clock improvement over previous generations
Reliable longevity; users report it still handles web surfing and light gaming over a decade after launch

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 4558U?

The 28W TDP is higher than standard 15W 'U' series chips, requiring more robust cooling in ultrabooks
Now obsolete for modern gaming and high-end professional applications compared to newer i7 generations
Ineligible for official Windows 11 support due to its older architecture
Limited to two physical cores, which struggles with modern heavily multi-threaded software
Single-threaded performance gains were modest compared to the preceding architecture

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20/01/2015

Intel Core i7-5500U benchmarks (vs i7-4500U and i7-4558U)

The Intel Core i7-5500U is a 15W Broadwell ULV processor designed for thin-and-light laptops, offering a 5-15% performance increase over the preceding Haswell i7-4500U. While efficient for daily tasks, it serves as a modest upgrade rather than a high-performance chip. The integrated Intel HD 5500 graphics show significant architectural improvements with 24 Execution Units, offering...Read more

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29/03/2026

Intel Core i7-4558U @ 2.80GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-4558U is a 4th-generation, 28W Haswell processor designed for high-performance laptops and ultrabooks, featuring a 2.80 GHz base clock and Iris Graphics 5100. It offers strong legacy performance with a PassMark CPU Mark score of roughly 2,964 and excels in single-thread tasks, making it superior to standard 15W U-series chips of its era. While its 2-core, 4-thread...Read more

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CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-4558U (Single-Thread) labonneconfig.fr

The CPU-Z validator entry pyjbf0 showcases a high-end desktop system powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X on an ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero motherboard, featuring 32GB of DDR4 RAM. The report highlights exceptional multi-threaded performance and stable, high-frequency memory tuning. While it confirms the CPU maintains expected boost clocks, the analysis notes limitations, as CPU-Z...Read more

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The Asus Zenbook UX301L is a premium, high-end Ultrabook defined by its striking design, featuring Gorilla Glass 3 on both the lid and keyboard deck for a scratch-resistant yet fingerprint-prone finish. While structurally solid with an angled typing hinge, the glass lid displays some flex. Performance is a standout, driven by a fast RAID 0 SSD setup and a vibrant, sharp 13.3-inch...Read more

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The Asus Zenbook UX301L is a premium 13.3-inch ultrabook featuring a distinctive blue Gorilla Glass 3 lid and a high-resolution 2560x1440 IPS touchscreen. Key strengths include rapid performance from an Intel Core i7 processor, dual SSD RAID 0 configuration, and a comfortable, backlit keyboard. However, the glossy lid is a fingerprint magnet, and the screen is highly reflective for...Read more

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