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.

Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-4258U
2C / 4T2.9 GHz28 W
6
Full review
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-4350U
2C / 4T2.9 GHz15 W
6
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 i5-3337U
Successor
Haswell Refresh 28W Series
Intel Core i5-5200U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
2
2
Threads
4
4
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
1.4 GHz
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
2.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
3 MB
3 MB
TDP
28 W
15 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 i5-4350U40

The 1.4 GHz base clock limits performance under sustained load, though turbo boost helps for short bursts.

Gaming

Intel Core i5-4258U35

Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.

Intel Core i5-4350U35

Struggles with most modern games; can only handle very old 2D or lightweight 3D indie titles.

Virtualization

Intel Core i5-4258U20

Adequate for light VMs.

Intel Core i5-4350UBest25

Not recommended for virtualization due to dual-core limits and low base clock.

Efficiency

Intel Core i5-4258U70

Higher power draw than 15W chips.

Intel Core i5-4350UBest80

Excellent efficiency for its era, designed specifically to maximize laptop battery life.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i5-4258UNone
  • No AI hardware.
Intel Core i5-4350UPoor
  • No AI hardware support
  • Dual-core design makes AI inference extremely slow

Content Creation

Intel Core i5-4258UFair
PhotoshopLight iMovie
Intel Core i5-4350UPoor
Basic Document CreationAudio Listening

Gaming

Intel Core i5-4258UFair
  • Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
Intel Core i5-4350UPoor
  • 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

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Photo Editing
Acceptable
1080p Video Editing
Acceptable
Web Browsing
Good
Good
Light Gaming
Good
Document Editing
Very Good
Video Playback
Excellent
Light Multitasking
Moderate
Indie Gaming
Poor

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 i5-4350U

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

Intel Core i5-4350U

  • AMD A4-5000

    Mobile APU

    Rival
  • Intel Core i3-4010U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A6-5200

    Mobile APU

    Rival
  • Compare head-to-head
  • AMD E2-3800

    Mobile APU

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-8250U
    Alt

    A massive leap in performance with 4 cores, found in cheap used laptops.

  • AMD Ryzen 3 2200U
    Alt

    A budget dual-core with better Vega graphics and modern architecture.

  • Intel Core i3-8130U
    Alt

    A modern dual-core with much higher clock speeds and efficiency.

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

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
    Alt

    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 review

A 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 review

Frequently 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.