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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Struggles with modern multitasking.
CPU performance is low.
Gaming
Incapable of running modern titles.
Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.
Virtualization
Not recommended for virtual machines.
Basic VM support.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its era.
Excellent battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- No AI hardware.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only handles old or very light 2D games.
- Can run old games better than HD 4400.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
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 A4-5000Rival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010YRival
Mobile
- Intel Atom Z3770Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4300YAlt
Slightly faster Y-series chip.
Better performance if you can handle 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core m3-6Y30Alt
Much newer and more efficient.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Vastly superior modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern dual-core with much better IPC.
Intel Core i5-4250U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4610YRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4260UAlt
Slightly faster version for MacBooks.
- Intel Core i5-8210YAlt
Modern MacBook Air alternative.
- Alt
Lightyears ahead in performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
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 reviewSuperior integrated graphics for its era, but the CPU component is now obsolete.
Best for: Used 2013 MacBook Air for basic typing
Read the full reviewFrequently 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.