CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4200U vs Intel Core i5-4258U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4200U is a dual-core, ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) lineup. With a 15-watt TDP, it became the quintessential processor for the era's Ultrabooks, striking a balance between power efficiency and everyday performance. It features two physical cores and four threads thanks to Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, allowing it to handle multitasking with relative ease. The base clock speed is set at 1.6 GHz, dynamically boosting up to 2.6 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost technology when demanding workloads require extra performance. The processor is equipped with 3 MB of SmartCache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4400, offering smooth 1080p video playback and the ability to play light casual games. It was a defining chip for mainstream thin-and-light laptops, offering an excellent blend of battery life and productivity performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Noticeable lag with modern multitasking.
High clocks helped single-threaded apps.
Gaming
Handles only old or 2D indie games.
Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.
Virtualization
Can run one light VM.
Adequate for light VMs.
Efficiency
Great battery life for its time.
Higher power draw than 15W chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware.
- No AI hardware.
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4400 is too weak for modern 3D games.
- Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent efficiency for 2013
- Good turbo boost frequency
- Hardware video encoding
- Wide adoption
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- BGA soldered
- Struggles with modern web
- No Windows 11 support
Pros
- Iris 5100 graphics
- 28W TDP for sustained performance
- 2.4 GHz base clock
- Great for 2013 MacBook Pro
Cons
- Obsolete dual-core
- Soldered BGA
- Runs warmer than 15W chips
- No Windows 11 support
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4200U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
Slightly faster refresh model.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4600UAlt
Higher clocks and better graphics.
Broadwell successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Much faster modern budget chip.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
Superior modern alternative.
Intel Core i5-4258U
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4558URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4288URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4278UAlt
Faster refresh model.
- Alt
Modern replacement for the MacBook Pro line.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Modern 28W quad-core alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with Vega graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary battery-life champion in its day, but obsolete for modern multitasking.
Best for: Extremely cheap used laptop for basic text editing
Read the full reviewExcellent performance and graphics for 2013, but outclassed by modern integrated solutions.
Best for: Used MacBook Pro for cheap typing
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4200U or Intel Core i5-4258U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4258U comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4200U or Intel Core i5-4258U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4258U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i5-4200U and Intel Core i5-4258U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4200U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4200U (15 W), Intel Core i5-4258U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4200U and Intel Core i5-4258U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4258U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4200U (3,000), Intel Core i5-4258U (3,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.