Understanding Intel Core i5 4th Generation Processors
The Intel Core i5 4th Generation, also known by the codename "Haswell," was a significant mainstream processor family launched in 2013. These processors were built on a 22nm manufacturing process and introduced a new socket (LGA 1150). A key feature of this generation was the integration of the voltage regulator onto the processor die, which improved power efficiency. While these CPUs are now considered legacy technology, they provided a solid foundation for business desktops and mainstream computing of their era, offering a balance of performance and power consumption before the advent of modern core architectures and much higher core counts.
Key Specifications and Technical Details
Fourth-generation Core i5 processors were typically quad-core CPUs without Hyper-Threading, meaning they had 4 cores and 4 threads. They featured Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics and supported DDR3 memory. Their performance was defined by specifications that are modest by today's standards.
| Specification | Typical 4th Gen i5 (e.g., i5-4590) | Modern Equivalent (for context) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 Cores, 4 Threads | 10-12 Cores, 12-16 Threads |
| Base/Max Frequency | ~3.3 GHz / ~3.7 GHz | Up to 5.0 GHz |
| Cache | 6 MB SmartCache | 12 MB+ SmartCache |
| Memory Support | DDR3-1600 | DDR4/DDR5 |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Manufacturing Process | 22nm | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced) |
Use Cases and Applications
During their prime, 4th Gen i5 processors were the workhorse for general office productivity, light content creation, and entry-level gaming when paired with a discrete graphics card. They were commonly found in business desktops, all-in-one PCs, and mainstream laptops. Today, systems using these processors are often repurposed for light-duty tasks like basic web browsing, document editing, or as simple point-of-sale terminals. However, for modern industrial and commercial applicationsāwhich demand higher core counts for multitasking, advanced graphics for digital signage, or AI at the edgeānewer generations offer substantially better performance, efficiency, and security features.
Thinvent's Modern Industrial PCs with Intel Core i5 Technology
While Thinvent's current product portfolio focuses on much newer and more powerful Intel Core i5 processors, understanding the legacy of the 4th generation highlights the advancements in our systems. Our industrial computers utilize Intel Core i5 processors from the 12th, 13th, and 14th Generations, which offer a quantum leap in performance with hybrid core architectures, higher clock speeds, and superior integrated graphics.
For example, the Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 can be configured with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1250P processor, featuring 12 cores (4 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 16 threads for demanding automation and control tasks. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC and Neo Series utilize efficient 13th Gen (i5-1335U) and 14th Gen (Core 5 120U) processors, delivering up to 10 cores and turbo frequencies up to 5.0 GHz in a compact form factor, ideal for digital signage, kiosks, and edge computing. These modern i5 solutions provide the reliable, scalable computing power needed for today's industrial IoT, machine vision, and ruggedized applications worldwide.
