Intel Core i5-4460T socket: LGA 1150

What the Core i5-4460T is

The Core i5-4460T brings quad threads to 35 W for tiny Haswell desktops on LGA 1150. Intel set four cores and four threads at 1.9 GHz base with turbo to 2.7 GHz. Six megabytes of Smart Cache help multitasking despite low clocks. Power is 35 W on 22 nm from March 2014. It suits sealed mini PCs where heat matters more than speed.

Low base clocks keep idle and sustained power down in fanless feeling bodies. Turbo to 2.7 GHz lifts single thread bursts for UI work. Four threads keep background services from blocking foreground use. Pair with an SSD, since storage speed shapes feel more than clocks at this power. Buyers pick the T where 65 W and 84 W quads would overheat small cases.

HD Graphics 4600 handles office displays with modest 3D. DDR3-1333 and 1600 across two channels to 32 GB feed the chip. The value is quad threads at 35 W without a discrete card for quiet always on roles.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 4460T fits LGA 1150 on H81, B85, H97 and Z97 with Haswell support. Makers list T SKUs per board with 35 W power tables. Check the CPU table before swapping a standard quad for a T in a used mini PC, since firmware profiles differ.

DDR3 is the only memory path. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers series pairing. Boards for LGA 1151 never accept Haswell. Cooler mounting at 75 × 75 mm from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide fits low profile 35 W units.

Use 35 W firmware limits for even fan curves. Confirm display outputs on mini boards, since port mix varies.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR3-1333 and 1600 in dual channel to 32 GB suit small offices. Eight gigabytes covers fleets with SSDs. Two sticks aid graphics in calls. Low voltage DDR3L support follows board wiring.

Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU feed one slot or a storage adapter. Most 4460T builds stay integrated to hold 35 W. Chipset lanes add SATA and USB. Low profile cards fit where airflow allows.

Cooling is a low height 35 W unit at 75 mm mount. At 1.9 GHz base noise stays low. Keep vents free, since mini cases trap heat quickly.

Upgrade paths

Within the socket the Intel Core i5-4460S at 2.9 GHz to 3.4 GHz is a higher clock 65 W step on similar boards where cooling allows. The Intel Core i3-4150T at 2.9 GHz with four threads is a lower cost 35 W option where quad Haswell threads matter less. Both share DDR3.

A new platform needs a new board and memory. The 4460T covers tiny Haswell hosts where 35 W quads are the limit.