CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4200Y vs Intel Core i5-430M
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.
Handles basic office tasks on Windows 7 but struggles with modern web applications and operating systems.
Gaming
Incapable of running modern titles.
The chipset-based GMA HD graphics are weaker than even Sandy Bridge's HD 3000. Not viable for any meaningful gaming.
Virtualization
Not recommended for virtual machines.
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores at relatively low clocks make it impractical.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its era.
The dual-die design was less efficient than Sandy Bridge's unified approach. 35 W delivers very little performance by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- No AI acceleration
- No AVX support
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only handles old or very light 2D games.
- Graphics handled by chipset, not CPU
- GMA HD is extremely limited
- No modern API support whatsoever
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
- Socket G1 allows CPU upgrades to i7-620M
- First generation to bring Turbo Boost to mainstream mobile
- AES-NI encryption support
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
- Reliable and well-documented platform
Cons
- No on-die GPU, graphics depend on chipset
- No AVX instruction support
- DDR3-1066 maximum memory speed
- Only 8 GB maximum memory support
- Dual-die design less efficient than Sandy Bridge
- 133 MHz base clock limits fine-grained frequency control
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 i5-430M
- AMD Turion II N530Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD Athlon II P360Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core 2 Duo P8700Rival
Previous Generation Mobile
- Intel Core i5-520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-450MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-620MAlt
Best possible Socket G1 upgrade with 2.66 GHz base, 3.33 GHz turbo, and 4 MB L3 cache.
Highest-clocked Arrandale i5 with 2.66 GHz base and 3.33 GHz turbo.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-2410MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor requiring a new laptop but offering much better performance and on-die graphics.
- Any modern Ryzen 5 laptopAlt
Dramatically superior performance for a new laptop purchase.
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 reviewThe i5-430M was a competent mid-range laptop CPU in early 2010, but its Arrandale architecture with separate CPU and I/O dies, lack of on-die GPU, and absence of AVX make it thoroughly obsolete today.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G1 laptop with a used i7-620M at minimal cost
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4200Y or Intel Core i5-430M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4200Y leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i5-430M.
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 i5-430M (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i5-430M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4200Y: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-430M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-430M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4200Y (2,200), Intel Core i5-430M (2,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.