CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4258U vs Intel Core i5-5350H
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 limits heavy multitasking, but 3.5GHz boost keeps everyday tasks snappy.
Gaming
Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.
Iris Pro 6200 allows for playable framerates in older titles at 1080p.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs.
Can run one light VM, but dual-core design heavily limits virtualization.
Efficiency
Higher power draw than 15W chips.
47W TDP is somewhat high for a dual-core, but 14nm helps keep it manageable.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI acceleration
- Dual-core CPU limits inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
- Comparable to mobile discrete GPUs like the GT 740M
- Excellent for indie and eSports titles of its era
- eDRAM significantly helps with frame pacing
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
- Powerful Iris Pro 6200 graphics for a dual-core chip
- High 3.1 GHz base clock
- Includes 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Hyper-Threading provides 4 threads
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and heavily outdated
- 47W TDP runs warm for a dual-core
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Limited to DDR3 memory
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 i5-5350H
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5557URival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-4278URival
Mobile
- NVIDIA GeForce 940M (paired with standard CPU)Rival
Mobile Graphics
- Alt
A modern ARM alternative that revolutionized mobile CPU and GPU performance.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
A modern mobile hexa-core that obliterates this chip in every possible metric.
A modern quad-core mobile chip with vastly superior Iris Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 4300UAlt
A budget modern mobile quad-core that easily outperforms this older 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 reviewAn impressive mobile chip for its time, offering high-end integrated graphics on a dual-core design, though its CPU limits are apparent by modern standards.
Best for: Buying a very cheap used laptop for basic media consumption and light retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4258U or Intel Core i5-5350H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-5350H comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i5-5350H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-5350H leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-5350H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4258U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4258U (28 W), Intel Core i5-5350H (47 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-5350H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4258U: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-5350H: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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.