CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4258U vs Intel Core i5-4288U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4258U is a high-performance dual-core mobile processor launched in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) family. Unlike standard U-series chips that operate at 15 watts, this model features a 28-watt TDP, allowing for significantly higher clock speeds and a more powerful integrated graphics solution. It runs at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and can boost up to 2.9 GHz, providing robust single-threaded performance for a mobile chip of its era. The processor supports Hyper-Threading, offering four threads across its two cores. Crucially, it integrates Intel HD Graphics 5100 (Iris Graphics), which features 40 execution units and a higher max dynamic frequency compared to lower-tier models. This made it an ideal choice for premium thin-and-light laptops that required extra graphical horsepower without the need for a discrete GPU, bridging the gap between basic ultrabooks and professional workstations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks helped single-threaded apps.
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
Gaming
Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs.
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Efficiency
Higher power draw than 15W chips.
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12_1
- Suitable only for retro or extremely light gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Iris 5100 graphics
- 28W TDP for sustained performance
- 2.4 GHz base clock
- Great for 2013 MacBook Pro
Cons
- Obsolete dual-core
- Soldered BGA
- Runs warmer than 15W chips
- No Windows 11 support
Pros
- Good integrated graphics for its era
- 28W TDP offers better sustained performance than 15W chips
- Supports Hyper-Threading
- Solid single-thread performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and unsupported by modern OS standards
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Weak by modern mobile standards
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4258U
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4558URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4288URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4278UAlt
Faster refresh model.
- Alt
Modern replacement for the MacBook Pro line.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Modern 28W quad-core alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with Vega graphics.
Intel Core i5-4288U
- AMD A10-5757MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5357MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen mobile chip with 4 cores that can be found in cheap used laptops.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
A budget modern mobile alternative with better Vega graphics.
A modern dual-core that massively outperforms this chip in single and multi-core.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
If looking at older MacBooks, the M1 offers a revolutionary leap in performance and battery.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
A modern hexa-core mobile chip offering immense value in the used market.
Our Verdict on Each
Excellent performance and graphics for 2013, but outclassed by modern integrated solutions.
Best for: Used MacBook Pro for cheap typing
Read the full reviewA capable processor for its time that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap, used laptop strictly for basic web browsing or as a typewriter.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4258U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4288U 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 i5-4258U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4288U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-4288U.
Do Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-4288U 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 i5-4258U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4258U (3,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.