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CPU Comparison

Intel Core i5-4200Y vs Intel Core i5-4250U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4200Y is an ultra-low voltage dual-core processor introduced in mid-2013 as part of the 4th generation Core family. Designed specifically for the thinnest and lightest mobile devices, including tablets and 2-in-1 hybrids, it operates within a strict 12-watt thermal envelope. Despite its low power consumption, it features Hyper-Threading, allowing its two physical cores to process four threads simultaneously, which aids in basic multitasking. Running at a base frequency of 1.4 GHz with the ability to boost up to 1.9 GHz, it balances performance with extreme power efficiency. It also integrates Intel HD Graphics 4200, providing adequate visuals for media consumption and casual workloads. The chip was a cornerstone for the Windows tablet era, enabling fanless designs and all-day battery life while delivering sufficient computational power for everyday computing tasks like web browsing and document editing.

Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-4200Y
2C / 4T1.9 GHz12 W
4
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-4250U
2C / 4T2.6 GHz15 W
5.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
4th Gen
4th Gen
Launched
2013
2013
Status
Discontinued
Discontinued
Codename
Haswell
Haswell
Series
Core i5
Core i5
Family
4th Generation (Haswell)
4th Generation (Haswell)
Predecessor
Ivy Bridge Y-Series
Ivy Bridge U-Series
Successor
Haswell Refresh Y-Series
Haswell Refresh U-Series

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
2
2
Threads
4
4
Base Clock
1.4 GHz
1.3 GHz
Boost Clock
1.9 GHz
2.6 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
3 MB
3 MB
TDP
12 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell
Haswell
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
16 GB
16 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1168
Intel BGA 1168
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
12
12
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i5-4200Y20

Struggles with modern multitasking.

Intel Core i5-4250UBest25

CPU performance is low.

Gaming

Intel Core i5-4200Y15

Incapable of running modern titles.

Intel Core i5-4250UBest30

Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.

Virtualization

Intel Core i5-4200Y10

Not recommended for virtual machines.

Intel Core i5-4250UBest15

Basic VM support.

Efficiency

Intel Core i5-4200Y85

Excellent efficiency for its era.

Intel Core i5-4250U85

Excellent battery life.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i5-4200YNone
  • No dedicated AI hardware.
Intel Core i5-4250UNone
  • No AI hardware.

Content Creation

Intel Core i5-4200YVery Poor
Intel Core i5-4250UPoor
Basic iMovie

Gaming

Intel Core i5-4200YVery Poor
  • Only handles old or very light 2D games.
Intel Core i5-4250UPoor
  • Can run old games better than HD 4400.

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Low
Low
Content Creation
Low
Moderate
Virtualization
Low
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Web Browsing
Acceptable
Acceptable
Document Editing
Good
1080p Video Playback
Good
Modern Gaming
Poor
Video Playback
Excellent
Light Gaming
Good
Office Work
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Developers
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i5-4200Y

Pros

  • Extremely low 12W TDP
  • Enabled fanless designs
  • Good battery life
  • Hardware video acceleration

Cons

  • Very low clock speeds
  • BGA soldered, no upgrades
  • Obsolete for modern tasks
  • Limited to 16GB DDR3
Intel Core i5-4250U

Pros

  • HD 5000 graphics were class-leading
  • Great battery life
  • Perfect for 2013 MacBook Air
  • Low power consumption

Cons

  • Only 2 cores
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • No modern OS support
  • Low base clock

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i5-4200Y

  • AMD A4-5000

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A6-5200

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i3-4010Y

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Atom Z3770

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-3317U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-4300Y
    Alt

    Slightly faster Y-series chip.

  • Better performance if you can handle 15W TDP.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core m3-6Y30
    Alt

    Much newer and more efficient.

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
    Alt

    Vastly superior modern budget alternative.

  • Intel Core i3-8130U
    Alt

    Modern dual-core with much better IPC.

Intel Core i5-4250U

  • AMD A10-5745M

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-4650U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i7-4610Y

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A8-5557M

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-4260U
    Alt

    Slightly faster version for MacBooks.

  • Intel Core i5-8210Y
    Alt

    Modern MacBook Air alternative.

  • Lightyears ahead in performance and efficiency.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i3-8130U
    Alt

    Cheap modern Windows alternative.

Our Verdict on Each

A pioneering chip for Windows tablets, but severely underpowered for modern workloads.

Best for: Retro computing or free hand-me-down device

Read the full review

Superior integrated graphics for its era, but the CPU component is now obsolete.

Best for: Used 2013 MacBook Air for basic typing

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i5-4200Y or Intel Core i5-4250U?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4250U comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. 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 i5-4200Y or Intel Core i5-4250U?

For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4250U leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i5-4250U.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i5-4200Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4200Y (12 W), Intel Core i5-4250U (15 W).

Do Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4200Y (2,200), Intel Core i5-4250U (2,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.