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.

Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-4258U
2C / 4T2.9 GHz28 W
6
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-4288U
2C / 4T3.1 GHz28 W
6.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
4th Gen
4th Gen Core i5
Launched
2013
2013
Status
Discontinued
End-of-life
Codename
Haswell
Haswell
Series
Core i5
Core i5
Family
4th Generation (Haswell)
4th Generation
Predecessor
Ivy Bridge M-Series
Intel Core i5-3427U
Successor
Haswell Refresh 28W Series
Intel Core i5-5257U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
2
2
Threads
4
4
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.6 GHz
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
3.1 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
3 MB
3 MB
TDP
28 W
28 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell
Haswell
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
16 GB
16 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1168
Intel BGA 1168
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 2.0
PCIe Lanes
12
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i5-4258U40

High clocks helped single-threaded apps.

Intel Core i5-4288UBest45

Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.

Gaming

Intel Core i5-4258U35

Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.

Intel Core i5-4288UBest40

Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.

Virtualization

Intel Core i5-4258U20

Adequate for light VMs.

Intel Core i5-4288UBest30

Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.

Efficiency

Intel Core i5-4258UBest70

Higher power draw than 15W chips.

Intel Core i5-4288U60

The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i5-4258UNone
  • No AI hardware.
Intel Core i5-4288UPoor
  • No AI acceleration hardware
  • Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks

Content Creation

Intel Core i5-4258UFair
PhotoshopLight iMovie
Intel Core i5-4288UPoor
Basic Audio EditingLight Photo Retouching

Gaming

Intel Core i5-4258UFair
  • Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
Intel Core i5-4288UPoor
  • 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

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Low
Low
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Low
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Photo Editing
Acceptable
Moderate
1080p Video Editing
Acceptable
Web Browsing
Good
Good
Light Gaming
Good
Office Applications
Very Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Indie Gaming
Moderate

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i5-4258U

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
Intel Core i5-4288U

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

Intel Core i5-4288U

  • AMD A10-5757M

    Mobile APU

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-4650U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A8-5557M

    Mobile APU

    Rival
  • Compare head-to-head
  • AMD A6-5357M

    Mobile APU

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-8250U
    Alt

    A much faster 8th gen mobile chip with 4 cores that can be found in cheap used laptops.

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
    Alt

    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
  • If looking at older MacBooks, the M1 offers a revolutionary leap in performance and battery.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
    Alt

    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 review

A 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 review

Frequently 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.