Intel Pentium 4405U

Intel Pentium 4405U: A Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks
April 2025
Introduction
The Intel Pentium 4405U is a processor released in 2016, still commonly found in budget laptops. Despite its age, it remains relevant for basic tasks due to its energy efficiency and low cost. In this article, we will explore its architecture, performance, use cases, and compare it with modern counterparts.
Architecture and Process Technology
SkyLake and 14 nm: The Foundation of Efficiency
The processor is built on the SkyLake architecture (6th generation Intel Core) with a 14 nm manufacturing process. This has allowed for reduced power consumption and improved thermal characteristics.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Clock Frequencies: Base clock speed of 2.1 GHz, turbo mode is not available.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 510 with a base frequency of 300 MHz and dynamic boost up to 950 MHz. Supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and 4K output via DisplayPort.
Architecture Features:
- Improved IPC (instructions per cycle) compared to previous generations.
- Supports DDR4-2133 and LPDDR3-1866 memory.
- Low thermal output, making it easier to design cooling systems.
Power Consumption and TDP
TDP of 15 Watts — a key parameter that defines the use cases for the processor.
- Energy Efficiency: Allows for the creation of thin laptops without active cooling (in some models).
- Thermal Characteristics: Even under load, temperatures rarely exceed 60–70°C, which reduces fan noise.
Example: In ultrabooks like the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (2025) with the Pentium 4405U, the fan is almost inaudible while working in a browser or with documents.
Performance in Real Tasks
Office Work
- Microsoft Office, Google Docs: The processor handles text editing, spreadsheets, and presentations without lag.
- Multitasking: Working with 10–15 browser tabs plus messaging apps is possible, but overload might cause stutters.
Multimedia
- Video: Streaming 1080p/60 FPS and 4K (with hardware acceleration) works smoothly.
- Photo Editors: Lightroom Mobile or basic retouching in Photoshop is feasible, but filter processing can be slow.
Gaming
- Integrated HD 510 graphics: Runs only lightweight projects:
- Minecraft (30–40 FPS on low settings).
- CS:GO (720p, 25–30 FPS).
- Among Us, Stardew Valley—without issues.
Turbo Mode: Absent, so frequencies are fixed at 2.1 GHz. This limits performance under peak loads.
Use Cases
The processor is suitable for:
1. Students — for studies, writing papers, and Zoom conferences.
2. Office Workers — handling documents and emails.
3. General Users — web surfing, watching YouTube, social media.
Not Suitable for:
- Gamers (except for casual games).
- Designers, programmers, video engineers.
Battery Life
- Usage Time: In laptops with a 40–50 Wh battery (e.g., ASUS VivoBook 15) — 6–8 hours with moderate use.
- Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep — dynamic frequency adjustment.
- C-states — turning off unused components.
- Display optimization through Intel Display Power Saving Technology.
Tip: For maximum battery life, choose models with IPS screens and SSDs (not HDDs).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD A9-9420 (2017)
- Pros: Better graphics (Radeon R5).
- Cons: Higher TDP (15–25 Watts), worse optimization for Windows.
Intel Core i3-6006U (2016)
- Pros: 10–15% higher performance in multi-threaded tasks.
- Cons: Laptop prices are 20–30% higher ($450–600).
Apple M1 (2020)
- Not a direct competitor, but illustrates the increase in efficiency over 9 years: M1 is 4–5 times faster, with similar TDP.
Conclusion: The Pentium 4405U is a choice for those looking for a cheap device right now.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low price of laptops ($300–450).
- Quiet operation.
- Sufficient power for basic tasks.
Weaknesses:
- No turbo mode.
- Weak integrated GPU.
- Only 2 cores — limited multitasking capability.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type: Ultrabooks (Acer Swift 1) or budget models (HP 15s).
2. Memory: Minimum of 8 GB RAM + 256 GB SSD.
3. Screen: IPS panel for comfortable work.
4. Check for: USB-C availability, Wi-Fi 5 (or 6), weight (preferably under 1.5 kg).
Caution: Avoid models with HDDs and 4 GB of RAM — these are performance "killers."
Final Conclusion
The Intel Pentium 4405U in 2025 is a choice for undemanding users. It is suitable for:
- Working with texts and browsing the internet.
- As a secondary laptop for travel.
- For seniors or children who do not need high performance.
Key Benefits: Low price, quiet operation, and battery life. If the budget allows for $500 or more, it’s better to look at 12th generation Intel Core i3 processors or AMD Ryzen 3 7300U — they will provide future-proofing.
Prices as of April 2025:
- Laptops with Pentium 4405U: $300–450.
- Alternatives with Core i3: $450–600.
- Devices with Apple M1: starting from $800 (new models are not being released, but stock remains).