CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4250U vs Intel Core i5-4300M
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.
The 3.6 GHz turbo boost keeps single-threaded tasks feeling responsive, though 2 cores limit heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.
HD 5000 graphics allow for playable framerates in older games at 720p or 1080p on low settings.
Virtualization
Basic VM support.
Decent for light VMs thanks to VT-d support, but limited by the dual-core design.
Efficiency
Excellent battery life.
37W TDP is standard for mobile but runs warmer and less efficiently than modern 15W chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Dual-core limits inference performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can run old games better than HD 4400.
- Comparable to a low-end discrete mobile GPU
- Can run Skyrim or CS:GO on low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
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
- High 3.6 GHz turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- Socketed design allows for upgrades
- HD 5000 graphics are decent for older games
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP runs warm and drains battery faster than 'U' models
- End-of-life and outdated
- Locked multiplier
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 i5-4300M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3230MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5350MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen quad-core mobile chip that runs cooler and uses less power.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
A modern mobile quad-core with Vega graphics that vastly outperforms this chip.
- Intel Core i5-4300M (Used)Alt
If repairing an old laptop, finding a used i7-4700MQ or MQ chip for the same socket is a better upgrade.
A modern dual-core mobile chip that obliterates this i5 in performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget desktop alternative if moving away from old mobile platforms.
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 reviewA solid mainstream mobile processor for its era, offering good single-core turbo speeds and decent integrated graphics, though lacking modern multi-core power.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap used business laptop for basic typing or offline work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4250U or Intel Core i5-4300M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4300M comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i5-4300M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4300M leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i5-4300M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4250U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4250U (15 W), Intel Core i5-4300M (37 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i5-4300M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4250U: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-4300M: Intel Socket G3), 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.