CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4300M vs Intel Core i5-4350U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4300M is a 4th generation Haswell dual-core mobile processor with a 37W TDP, designed for standard laptops featuring socketed upgradeability and HD Graphics 5000.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 3.6 GHz turbo boost keeps single-threaded tasks feeling responsive, though 2 cores limit heavy multitasking.
The 1.4 GHz base clock limits performance under sustained load, though turbo boost helps for short bursts.
Gaming
HD 5000 graphics allow for playable framerates in older games at 720p or 1080p on low settings.
Struggles with most modern games; can only handle very old 2D or lightweight 3D indie titles.
Virtualization
Decent for light VMs thanks to VT-d support, but limited by the dual-core design.
Not recommended for virtualization due to dual-core limits and low base clock.
Efficiency
37W TDP is standard for mobile but runs warmer and less efficiently than modern 15W chips.
Excellent efficiency for its era, designed specifically to maximize laptop battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Dual-core limits inference performance
- No AI hardware support
- Dual-core design makes AI inference extremely slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to a low-end discrete mobile GPU
- Can run Skyrim or CS:GO on low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- 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
- 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- End-of-life and outdated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
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- End-of-life and outdated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 i5-4300M
- 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.
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
A 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 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 is better, Intel Core i5-4300M or Intel Core i5-4350U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4300M 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 i5-4300M or Intel Core i5-4350U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4300M leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-4300M and Intel Core i5-4350U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4350U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4300M (37 W), Intel Core i5-4350U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4300M and Intel Core i5-4350U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4300M: Intel Socket G3, Intel Core i5-4350U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.