CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4258U vs Intel Core i5-4350U
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.
The 1.4 GHz base clock limits performance under sustained load, though turbo boost helps for short bursts.
Gaming
Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.
Struggles with most modern games; can only handle very old 2D or lightweight 3D indie titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs.
Not recommended for virtualization due to dual-core limits and low base clock.
Efficiency
Higher power draw than 15W chips.
Excellent efficiency for its era, designed specifically to maximize laptop battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI hardware support
- Dual-core design makes AI inference extremely slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
- HD 5000 is better than HD 4400 but still weak for 3D
- Low base clock can throttle gaming performance
- Suitable only for retro or extremely lightweight games
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
- Excellent power efficiency for battery life
- Good turbo boost frequency for short tasks
- HD 5000 graphics are capable for media playback
- Low heat output
Cons
- Very low 1.4 GHz base clock limits sustained performance
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and outdated
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Lacks modern security and instruction set support
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 i5-4350U
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i3-4010URival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- AMD E2-3800Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A massive leap in performance with 4 cores, found in cheap used laptops.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
A budget dual-core with better Vega graphics and modern architecture.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
A modern dual-core with much higher clock speeds and efficiency.
- Alt
If looking at older MacBooks, the M1 offers a massive leap in battery and speed.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
A budget quad-core mobile chip that vastly outperforms this i5.
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 reliable processor for its time that brought excellent battery life to ultrabooks, though its dual-core performance is severely outdated today.
Best for: Buying a heavily used, extremely cheap laptop for basic offline typing.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4350U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4258U (28 W), Intel Core i5-4350U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-4350U 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.