CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4250U vs Intel Core i3-8145U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4250U is a specialized dual-core mobile processor released in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) family. While it shares the same 15-watt TDP and dual-core, four-thread configuration as other U-series chips, it distinguishes itself by integrating Intel HD Graphics 5000 instead of the standard HD 4400. This graphics upgrade features 40 execution units, double the amount found in the 4400, making it highly capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks for its form factor. Operating at a base clock of 1.3 GHz with a turbo boost up to 2.6 GHz, it was optimized for systems that required better graphical output without sacrificing battery life. This specific chip was heavily favored by Apple for its 2013 MacBook Air lineup, where its efficient power consumption and enhanced integrated graphics provided an excellent balance of performance and longevity for on-the-go users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
CPU performance is low.
Adequate for a single Word or Excel window, but modern heavy web applications will saturate the 4 threads quickly.
Gaming
Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.
Not capable of modern gaming. UHD 620 can only handle very old or lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Basic VM support.
4 threads and 4MB cache make virtualization practically impossible for anything beyond a tiny Linux container.
Efficiency
Excellent battery life.
The 10nm process provided good idle battery life for 2018-era laptops, though sustained loads drain the battery quickly due to the low core count.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI hardware.
- 2 cores are insufficient for any modern AI workload.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can run old games better than HD 4400.
- UHD 620 is not a gaming GPU.
- 2 cores cannot feed modern game engines.
- Playable only in legacy eSports titles at lowest settings.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Hardware security fixes out of the box
- 10nm power efficiency for its era
- High 3.9 GHz single-core boost
- Configurable TDP for different chassis sizes
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Very high $281 launch price for a dual-core
- Lacks LPDDR4 support
- UHD 620 graphics are obsolete
- Completely outclassed by modern ARM chips
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i3-8145U
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200URival
Budget Mobile
- Intel Core i3-8130URival
Previous Gen Mobile
- Intel Pentium Gold 5405URival
Entry Mobile
- Apple A12X BionicRival
Premium Tablet
A 4-core Whiskey Lake chip that provides drastically better multitasking.
Compare head-to-headThe Ice Lake successor offers better graphics and LPDDR4X support.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
For modern lightweight laptops, ARM architecture provides exponentially better performance and battery life.
Compare head-to-head - Intel N100Alt
For embedded or ultra-budget replacements, the N100 offers 4 modern cores.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewHistorically significant for being Intel's first 10nm mobile i3 with hardware security fixes, but its 2-core layout and high $281 launch price make it entirely obsolete for modern computing.
Best for: Only if repairing an existing laptop that uses this specific chip and the board is not compatible with newer generations.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4250U or Intel Core i3-8145U?
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 i5-4250U or Intel Core i3-8145U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4250U leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i3-8145U.
Do Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i3-8145U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4250U: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i3-8145U: BGA 1528), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4250U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4250U (2,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.