Intel Core i5-4440 vs Intel Core i5-4460T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-4460T and Intel Core i5-4440 are two Haswell desktop processors on the Intel Socket 1150 platform, but they target different ends of the power spectrum. The data shows a clear and consistent performance gap, with the i5-4440 dominating every shared benchmark, while the i5-4460T offers a dramatically lower thermal envelope. This analysis walks through the benchmark results, architectural differences, and use cases strictly based on the provided facts.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data leaves no ambiguity about performance hierarchy. Across all five shared tests, the Intel Core i5-4440 wins decisively, with the Intel Core i5-4460T trailing by roughly 24% in every single instance.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-4440 scores 410 against the i5-4460T’s 313, a delta of -23.7% for the T-series part. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i5-4440 posts 1712 versus 1305, again a -23.8% gap. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows the same story: 4077 for the i5-4440 versus 3109 for the i5-4460T, with a delta of -23.7%.

Single-core performance follows the identical trend. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i5-4440 scores 241 compared to the i5-4460T’s 183, a -24.1% difference. Cinebench R23 single-core sees the i5-4440 at 575 and the i5-4460T at 438, a -23.8% gap. Interestingly, the i5-4440 also has a Cinebench R15 single-core score of 57, a test that was not recorded for the i5-4460T.

The wins are not marginal; they are uniform and substantial. The i5-4440 leads by nearly a quarter in every comparable metric, making it the clear choice for raw compute throughput. The average benchmark score reinforces this: the i5-4440 averages 1179 across its tested benchmarks, while the i5-4460T averages 1190. However, this aggregate number is misleading because the two processors were not subjected to identical test suites — the i5-4460T includes Geekbench scores while the i5-4440 does not. When isolating the shared Cinebench tests, the i5-4440 is consistently ahead.

For context against other CPUs, the i5-4460T’s nearest rivals include the AMD Opteron 6234 (delta -0.1%), Intel Core i7-8665UE (delta -0.2%), and Intel Core i3-4170 (delta -0.3%). The i5-4440’s nearest rivals are the Intel Core i5-3550 (delta 0.1%), Intel Core i3-7320 (delta 0.5%), and Intel Core i5-2400 (delta -0.7%). Both processors sit at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs, indicating they are mid-range performers in the broader market.

The Verdict

The data presents a straightforward verdict for most users. The Intel Core i5-4440 is the superior processor for any workload where compute performance matters. It wins 5 out of 5 head-to-head benchmarks, with a consistent 23-24% advantage in both single-core and multi-core tests. For applications like video rendering, software compilation, or any CPU-bound task, the i5-4440 delivers meaningfully more throughput.

The Intel Core i5-4460T, however, is not without its justification. Its 35W TDP is less than half of the i5-4440’s 84W TDP. For compact systems, low-noise builds, or always-on machines where thermal dissipation is a primary constraint, the i5-4460T offers a viable path. The performance penalty is real — roughly a quarter less performance — but it comes with a correspondingly large reduction in power draw.

Buyers who prioritize responsiveness and raw speed should select the i5-4440 without hesitation. Buyers who are building a low-power system and can accept the 24% performance deficit should consider the i5-4460T. There is no scenario in the data where the i5-4460T outperforms the i5-4440, so the decision hinges entirely on power versus performance trade-offs.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture. They are built on Intel’s Haswell architecture with a 22 nm process node, produced by Intel’s own foundry. Both have 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The core configuration is identical: 4 cores and 4 threads, with no hyper-threading. The cache hierarchy is also the same: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

The memory support is DDR3 with dual-channel configuration. The i5-4460T has a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the i5-4440’s memory bandwidth is not listed. Both support PCIe Gen 3, with the i5-4460T specifically noted as having 16 lanes (CPU only) and the i5-4440 listed simply as Gen 3. Neither supports ECC memory, and both have unlocked multipliers set to false.

The integrated graphics are identical as well: Intel HD 4600. The release dates differ, with the i5-4440 launching on 2013-08-31 and the i5-4460T on 2014-02-28. The i5-4460T is marked as end-of-life, while the i5-4440’s production status is not specified.

The key architectural differences are the clock speeds and TDP. The i5-4440 has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.30 GHz. The i5-4460T has a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 2.70 GHz. This 1.2 GHz base clock deficit and 0.6 GHz boost clock deficit explain the consistent 24% performance gap. The i5-4460T’s lower clocks are the direct result of its 35W TDP target, which is 49W lower than the i5-4440’s 84W TDP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i5-4440 has a base clock of 3.10 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-4460T has a base clock of 1.90 GHz.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i5-4460T has a TDP of 35W, compared to the Intel Core i5-4440’s 84W.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which processor performs better in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i5-4440 scores 4077, while the Intel Core i5-4460T scores 3109, giving the i5-4440 a 23.7% advantage.

Q: Are there any benchmarks where the i5-4460T wins?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the i5-4440 winning all 5 shared benchmarks. The i5-4460T has 0 wins.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth for the i5-4460T?

A: The i5-4460T has a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The i5-4440’s memory bandwidth is not listed in the data.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-4440 wins in every benchmark category where direct comparison is possible. In multi-core workloads, it is consistently 23.7% faster across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. In single-core workloads, it is 24.1% faster in Cinebench R20 and 23.8% faster in Cinebench R23. This makes it the better choice for video editing, 3D rendering, software development, and any other task that scales with CPU performance.

The Intel Core i5-4460T has no benchmark wins, but it wins on power efficiency. Its 35W TDP is a significant advantage for systems with limited cooling or power budgets. For a small form factor PC, a home server running 24/7, or a media center that needs to stay quiet, the i5-4460T’s lower power draw is a tangible benefit that the benchmark scores do not capture.

The i5-4440’s 84W TDP suggests it requires a more robust cooling solution and a power supply capable of handling higher peak loads. The i5-4460T, by contrast, could potentially run with a more modest cooler, though the data does not specify cooler requirements. For users who prioritize absolute performance, the i5-4440 is the clear winner. For users who prioritize low power consumption and are willing to accept a 24% performance hit, the i5-4460T has a distinct advantage.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the two processors:

• Base Clock: The i5-4440 runs at 3.10 GHz; the i5-4460T runs at 1.90 GHz.
• Boost Clock: The i5-4440 boosts to 3.30 GHz; the i5-4460T boosts to 2.70 GHz.
• TDP: The i5-4440 is rated at 84W; the i5-4460T is rated at 35W.
• Memory Bandwidth: The i5-4460T is listed at 25.6 GB/s; the i5-4440 has no listed value.
• PCIe Details: The i5-4460T specifies "Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)"; the i5-4440 lists only "Gen 3".
• Release Date: The i5-4440 launched on 2013-08-31; the i5-4460T launched on 2014-02-28.
• Production Status: The i5-4460T is marked as end-of-life; the i5-4440 has no status listed.
• Part Number: The i5-4440 is SR14F; the i5-4460T is SR1S7.

All other specifications — cores, threads, architecture, process node, foundry, transistor count, die size, cache sizes, memory type, memory bus, ECC support, integrated graphics, socket, and unlocked multiplier — are identical between the two parts.