Intel Pentium G4500

The Intel Pentium G4500 is a Skylake-based desktop processor with two cores and two threads, running at a fixed 3.50 GHz base clock. It carries a 51 W TDP, integrates Intel HD 530 graphics, and supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode. In the benchmark database, the G4500 sits at the 21st percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 816, a figure that places it within 0.6% of its four nearest rivals, making its performance essentially tied with that group.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The G4500’s most defining characteristic is its lack of simultaneous multithreading. With only two threads total, the CPU can execute exactly two instruction streams at any given moment. This has direct consequences for both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. Single-threaded tasks, such as typical office applications, web browsing, and older games, rely on the core’s clock speed and architecture. The 3.50 GHz base clock is the only frequency; there is no boost clock, so the CPU always runs at that speed. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score is 140, and in R23 it is 334. These are modest figures, consistent with a low-power dual-core part.

Multi-threaded performance is limited by the two-thread ceiling. Cinebench R20 multicore scores 995, while R23 multicore scores 2371. The R15 multicore result is 238. While these numbers are higher than the single-core scores, the scaling is limited because only two threads are available. In practice, applications that can use more than two threads will see the G4500 fall behind processors with more cores or with hyper-threading. The data shows that the G4500’s multi-thread performance is only slightly better than its single-thread performance when normalized for the number of threads, a direct result of the 2-core/2-thread design. For real workloads, this means the G4500 handles light multitasking and single-threaded tasks adequately, but it will struggle with video editing, 3D rendering, or any heavily threaded workload.

Power and Thermals

The G4500 has a TDP of 51 W. This is a low figure, placing it in the energy-efficient segment of desktop CPUs. The 14 nm process node, produced by Intel with 1,400 million transistors on a 150 mm² die, contributes to this modest power draw. A 51 W TDP implies that a simple, low-profile air cooler is sufficient to keep the chip within operating temperatures. There is no need for a high-end cooling solution, and the CPU can be comfortably used in small-form-factor builds where thermal headroom is limited. The absence of a boost clock also means that power consumption stays constant under load, as the CPU does not dynamically increase voltage and frequency. The integrated Intel HD 530 graphics share the same thermal envelope, so even when the iGPU is active, the total package remains within the 51 W TDP. For system builders, this translates to straightforward cooling requirements and quiet operation.

Benchmark Performance

The G4500’s average benchmark score is 816, placing it at the 21st percentile among all CPUs. This means it outperforms only about a fifth of the processors in the database. Its nearest rivals are clustered tightly around this score. The Intel Celeron G6900TE has an average score of 813, making the G4500 0.3% faster. The Intel Core i7-5550U also scores 813, with the G4500 0.4% ahead. On the other side, the Intel Xeon E5540 scores 820, which is 0.5% higher than the G4500, and the AMD PRO A10-8750B scores 821, 0.6% higher. These deltas are negligible in real-world terms; all five processors perform within a 1% band of each other. The G4500’s individual benchmark results, Cinebench R15 multicore 238, R20 multicore 995, R20 single-core 140, R23 multicore 2371, and R23 single-core 334, are consistent with this overall average. The single-core scores are particularly low when compared to modern processors, but they are in line with the other CPUs in its immediate performance tier. The benchmark data indicates that the G4500 is not a high-performance part; it is positioned at the entry level of desktop computing.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Pentium G4500 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What integrated graphics does the G4500 include?

A: It includes Intel HD 530 graphics.

Q: What memory types are compatible with the G4500?

A: It supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: It provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only).

Q: What socket does the G4500 use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket 1151.

Q: Does the G4500 have a boost clock?

A: No, it has a fixed base clock of 3.50 GHz with no boost.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Celeron G6900TE, the G4500 is 0.3% faster in average benchmark score. The two are effectively identical in performance, with the G4500 holding a marginal edge that will not be perceptible in day-to-day use. Both are entry-level desktop parts, but the G4500’s slightly higher score gives it a nominal lead.

The Intel Core i7-5550U is a mobile processor, yet it matches the G4500 within 0.4%. The G4500 is 0.4% faster, but the i7-5550U achieves this in a lower-power mobile package. For a desktop chip, the G4500’s performance parity with a mobile part underscores its limited capabilities.

The Intel Xeon E5540, an older server processor, is 0.5% faster than the G4500. Despite being from a different era and market segment, the E5540’s higher core count likely contributes to its slightly better average score, though the difference remains under 1%.

The AMD PRO A10-8750B is 0.6% faster than the G4500. This is the largest delta among the rivals, yet still negligible. The A10-8750B is an APU with integrated graphics, similar to the G4500’s HD 530, and both target budget desktop builds.

Who Should Consider It

The G4500 is suited for basic desktop tasks where single-thread performance matters more than multi-thread throughput. Its 3.50 GHz base clock and two threads handle word processing, spreadsheet work, web browsing, and email without difficulty. The integrated Intel HD 530 graphics provide display output for everyday use and can drive video playback. However, the 21st percentile ranking and low multi-core scores indicate that this CPU is not appropriate for content creation, 3D rendering, or modern gaming that demands more than two cores. For office PCs, light home use, or as a low-power server, the G4500 is a viable choice. It also fits into small-form-factor builds due to its 51 W TDP. But for any workload that can utilize more than two threads, a processor with more cores or hyper-threading would be a better fit.

Platform and Compatibility

The G4500 uses the Intel Socket 1151, a platform that supports a wide range of Intel processors. It has a dual-channel memory controller that accepts both DDR3 and DDR4, with a theoretical memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which are sufficient for a single discrete GPU or other expansion cards. The integrated Intel HD 530 graphics means no discrete GPU is required for basic display output. The production status is Active, indicating that the chip is still available for purchase. As a Skylake-generation part, it is compatible with motherboards that support Socket 1151 and the appropriate chipset. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means overclocking is not supported. For those looking to upgrade later, the Socket 1151 platform offers higher-end CPUs, but the G4500’s own performance level defines its place at the entry tier of that ecosystem.