Intel Pentium G4500T
Intel Pentium G4500T: Budget Processor for Office and Multimedia in 2025
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Introduction
The Pentium family of processors has always filled the niche for affordable solutions for less demanding tasks. The Intel Pentium G4500T, released in 2016, remains relevant for specific scenarios even after nearly a decade. In 2025, it can be found on the secondary market or in leftover new components priced around $50–70. Let's explore who might find this chip useful in the era of 16-core monsters.
1. Key Specifications
Skylake Architecture and 14 nm Process
The G4500T is based on the Skylake microarchitecture (6th generation Intel Core). It was the first Intel processor to support DDR4 memory and features improved IPC (instructions per clock). The 14 nm process strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Key Parameters:
- Cores/Threads: 2/2 (no Hyper-Threading).
- Base Frequency: 3.0 GHz (no Turbo Boost).
- Cache: 3 MB L3.
- TDP: 35 W.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530 (max frequency 950 MHz).
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 701 (single-core), 1260 (multi-core).
- Practical Examples:
- Watching 4K video in VLC: CPU load ~30%.
- Working in Google Chrome with 10 tabs: occasional stuttering may occur.
- Running light games (Dota 2, CS:GO on low settings): 40–60 FPS at 720p.
Features:
- Support for AVX2 and AES-NI instructions (useful for encryption).
- Virtualization Technology (VT-x) for virtualization support.
2. Compatible Motherboards
LGA 1151 Socket and Chipsets
The G4500T utilizes the LGA 1151 socket (version v1, incompatible with 300-series chipsets!).
Suitable Chipsets:
- H110, B150, H170, Z170 (for Skylake/Kaby Lake).
- B250, H270, Z270 (after a BIOS update).
Recommended Boards in 2025:
- ASUS H110M-K (price ~$60–80): basic model with HDMI and DDR4 support.
- MSI B250M PRO-VD (~$70–90): 4 RAM slots, M.2 NVMe support.
Selection Considerations:
- Ensure the motherboard BIOS is updated to a version that supports Skylake.
- To use M.2 NVMe, a board with the B250 chipset or higher is required.
3. Supported Memory
Memory Types:
- DDR4-2133 (officially).
- DDR3L-1600 (only for boards with the appropriate controller).
Recommendations:
- Optimal capacity: 8–16 GB (2 modules of 4–8 GB for dual-channel mode).
- Example: Kingston ValueRAM DDR4-2133 8 GB (~$25 per module).
Limitations:
- Frequencies above 2133 MHz are not supported.
- DDR5 and high-frequency DDR4 (e.g., 3200 MHz) will not work.
4. Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 35 W, the processor is extremely undemanding in terms of power.
System Calculation:
- CPU: 35 W.
- iGPU: up to 15 W.
- SSD/HDD: 5–10 W.
- Motherboard: 20–30 W.
- Total: ~70–90 W (without a discrete graphics card).
Tips:
- Budget option: 300 W power supply (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10, ~$40).
- For an upgrade with a graphics card: 450–500 W (if adding a GPU like the GTX 1650).
5. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Low power consumption (ideal for HTPCs or mini PCs).
- Integrated graphics with support for 4K/60 Hz (HDMI 1.4).
- Affordable price in 2025.
Disadvantages:
- Only 2 cores — multitasking is limited.
- No support for DDR5 or PCIe 4.0.
- Outdated architecture: falls short of modern Celeron processors in IPC.
6. Use Cases
Office Tasks
- Document work, browsing, video conferencing.
- Example: a build based on G4500T + 8 GB DDR4 + 256 GB SSD will handle MS Office and Zoom with ease.
Multimedia
- Media center based on Kodi/Plex: 4K H.264/HEVC decoding via iGPU.
Light Gaming
- Games up to 2015: World of Tanks, Minecraft, League of Legends.
- Modern projects will require a discrete graphics card (e.g., GT 1030).
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon 3000G (price ~$60)
- Pros: 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 graphics (stronger than HD 530).
- Cons: TDP 35 W, but generates more heat.
Intel Celeron G5920 (price ~$55)
- Pros: Comet Lake architecture (2020), supports DDR4-2666.
- Cons: similar 2 cores/2 threads.
Conclusion: The G4500T only wins if you have a motherboard compatible with LGA 1151. Otherwise, it lags behind even some budget newcomers.
8. Practical Build Tips
Basic Configuration (Office):
- Motherboard: ASUS H110M-K ($65).
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-2133 ($25).
- Storage: Kingston A400 240 GB ($30).
- PSU: be quiet! 300 W ($40).
- Total: ~$210 (without case).
Upgrade for Gaming:
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1650 ($150).
- PSU: Corsair CV450 ($55).
9. Final Conclusion
The Intel Pentium G4500T is suitable for:
- Office PCs where quietness and efficiency are crucial.
- As the heart of a media center (4K HDR, streaming services).
- For building a backup PC or terminal.
Why in 2025?
This processor is a compromise for those seeking the cheapest solution without demands for multitasking. However, it is already unsuitable for modern tasks (AI, streaming, editing). If the budget allows, it is better to choose the AMD Athlon 3000G or Intel Celeron G6900.
Conclusion
The Pentium G4500T is a relic of the past, but in the hands of an enthusiast or frugal user, it can find a second life. The key is to understand its limitations clearly and not to expect miracles from two cores in 2025.