CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4288U vs Intel Core i5-4300M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4288U is a 4th generation Haswell dual-core mobile processor introduced in 2013, featuring a 28W TDP and Intel HD Graphics 5100 for premium thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
The 3.6 GHz turbo boost keeps single-threaded tasks feeling responsive, though 2 cores limit heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
HD 5000 graphics allow for playable framerates in older games at 720p or 1080p on low settings.
Virtualization
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Decent for light VMs thanks to VT-d support, but limited by the dual-core design.
Efficiency
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
37W TDP is standard for mobile but runs warmer and less efficiently than modern 15W chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Dual-core limits inference performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today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
- Comparable to a low-end discrete mobile GPU
- Can run Skyrim or CS:GO on low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- High 3.6 GHz turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- Socketed design allows for upgrades
- HD 5000 graphics are decent for older games
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP runs warm and drains battery faster than 'U' models
- End-of-life and outdated
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i5-4300M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3230MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5350MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen quad-core mobile chip that runs cooler and uses less power.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
A modern mobile quad-core with Vega graphics that vastly outperforms this chip.
- Intel Core i5-4300M (Used)Alt
If repairing an old laptop, finding a used i7-4700MQ or MQ chip for the same socket is a better upgrade.
A modern dual-core mobile chip that obliterates this i5 in performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget desktop alternative if moving away from old mobile platforms.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA solid mainstream mobile processor for its era, offering good single-core turbo speeds and decent integrated graphics, though lacking modern multi-core power.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap used business laptop for basic typing or offline work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4288U or Intel Core i5-4300M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4300M leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-4288U and Intel Core i5-4300M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4288U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4288U (28 W), Intel Core i5-4300M (37 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4288U and Intel Core i5-4300M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4288U: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-4300M: Intel Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.