Processor Intel Core I5 4460: specifications and reviews

An excellent and inexpensive processor for a mid-level gaming PC is the Core i5 4460. It will be discussed later.

For what niche is this CPU developed?

Of course, the super-high level of performance Intel Core i5 4460 is not endowed. But still its performance is more than enough to organize a working or graphic (in this case, a computer system must necessarily be supplemented with a powerful discrete graphics card) station, gaming PC or server-based entry-level solution. A similar level of performance boasts FX-8370 from AMD. But at the same time, from the standpoint of energy consumption, the hero of this article leaves far behind his direct competitor.

Equipment

This processor solution is completed with such components and accessories:

• CPA, packed in special protective packaging.

• Established cooler.

• Thermal grease.

• The instruction manual (it also contains a warranty card).

• Advertising brochure with the offer to download the antivirus "McAFee".

This list can be called typical for the devices of this manufacturer, and something remarkable about the background of similar semiconductor crystals, it can not stand out in terms of configuration.

Processor socket

Like most Haswell and Haswell Refresh processors, the Core i5 4460 targets the most common processor socket in the new systems - the 1150 processor. Any motherboard of this platform should work with this silicon crystal without any problems. But nevertheless on some older motherboards it is necessary to update "BIOS" in advance. If this is not done, then the processor in the computer system may not be detected.

Technological process

This chip is manufactured in accordance with the standards and requirements of the 22-nm process. Of course, it can no longer be called advanced. The most advanced CPU Intel is manufactured using a 14-nm process technology. But his language can not be called obsolete either. Now quite often you can find chips made on 32-nm and more "large" technical processes.

Fast memory

Like all the most productive solutions from Intel, the Core i5 4460 boasts a cache of 3 levels. The first of them has a total size of 256 KB. It is divided into 8 equal parts of 32 KB. They are paired with a certain computing unit. In one part, the processor commands are stored, and in the other - the data. The total size of the second level is 1 MB. It is divided into 4 equal parts, which, as the first level, are tied to a specific core. Only here the separation of data and instructions in this case is not provided. The third level has a size of 6 MB. This part of the cache is shared by the whole processor.

Operative memory and recommendations for its use

The RAM controller is integrated into the processor. It is focused on the use of DDR3 standard modules with frequencies of 1333 MHz and 1600 MHz. The use of the latter is more preferable: the level of productivity is increased. But they are, of course, more expensive. Another important feature of this controller is dual-channel. That is, it is better to install two small modules on the PC (for example, 2 modules of 2 GB) than one large (1 module for 4 GB). This also allows increasing the overall performance of the computer system.

Thermal package

Intel Core i5 4460 has a heat package of 84 watts. This is an average value for the 4-nuclear solution of this manufacturer. For comparison: the next generation of "BroadVell" boasts a thermal package of 77 watts. Well, the latest solutions for SkyLight for some reason already come with an increased thermal package of 91 watts. The maximum permissible temperature for the manufacturer's assurances for this processor solution is 72 degrees Celsius.

Frequencies

The processor Core i5 4460 boasts the availability of technology "Turbo-Bust". As a result, it can dynamically change its frequency depending on the degree of complexity of the task being solved. For the 3-4-nuclear mode, the clock frequency of the semiconductor solution does not change and is 3.2 GHz. If only 2 computational modules are used to solve the problem, then the frequency rises to 3.3 GHz. Well, in a single-threaded mode, this value is further increased to 3.4 GHz.

Filling

4 physical cores on a silicon crystal and 4 computational flows at the software level are available in the Core i5 4460. The characteristics of this chip indicate the lack of Hyper Trading technology. That's why there are only 4 computational flows in this CPU. Because of this, this chip on average loses premium "Kor Ai7" 10-15 percent in most applications. In most applications, this difference is not very noticeable, but the cost of these processors is much higher.

Overclocking

This CPU has a multiplier blocked. As a result, it can be overclocked only by raising the reference frequency of the system bus. This will eventually result in a slight increase in productivity (about 5 percent). But at the same time the computer itself will have to invest additional material: an advanced motherboard should be installed (it is recommended to pay attention to solutions based on the Z97), the power supply should be with a rated power of at least 900-1000 W, and the cooling system as And the motherboard, should be "advanced". So, from the economic point of view, it's not entirely reasonable to apply overclocking to this CPU model. For these purposes it is better to use models with the prefix "K" in the designation. In the rest, the order of dispersal in this case is:

• Installed on a computer specialized software for monitoring parameters and checking the stability of the system.

• Reboot the PC.

• We go to the "BIOS".

• We lower to maximum the frequencies of all components of the computer system, except for the system bus, which we increase to 105 MHz.

• Then we check the stability of the system. If the PC does not pass the stress test, then when you restart, we enter the BIOS and increase the voltage on the processor. We perform this manipulation until the system starts to work stably.

• In the future, we adjust the frequencies of the system components to the previously set values and check the reliability of the PC.

Experience has shown that a significant increase in productivity can not be achieved on this CPU. Therefore, it is not entirely expedient to disperse it. Moreover, its capabilities are quite enough to solve any problem for today.

Price

On average, for $ 200 you can buy Core i5 4460. Reviews also indicate full compliance with the price and performance level. This is an excellent chip for an optimal gaming PC. Excessive productivity, it can not boast. But in fact for these purposes, "Intel" has "Kor Ai7". And the fate of "Cor Ai5" is a segment of medium-sized computers. It is to this segment that 4460 applies.

Owners of the CPU

The Core i5 4460 processor does not lack certain disadvantages. The reviews indicate the following ones:

• Blocked multiplier. But it is worth noting that this processor is not for computer enthusiasts and professionals. On their needs are modeled CPUs with the index "K", which are much more expensive.

• The processor is not detected on some models of motherboards of the 8th series (Z87, H81 and so on). In this case, you need to update BIOS.

• High cost, if we talk about the CPU of the average price range. A good chip can not be cheap, and this fully applies to this semiconductor solution.

Results

If you need a productive computer at a democratic price, but with a blocked multiplier (that is, with the possibility of a slight overclocking), then you can safely pay attention to the Core i5 4460 base. This is an excellent solution for a mid-level gaming PC, working or graphic (in this case, As it was noted earlier, there must be a productive discrete graphics card) of an entry level server or server.