CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4330M vs Intel Core i5-4350U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4330M is a 4th generation Haswell dual-core mobile processor featuring a 37W TDP, high clock speeds, and Intel HD Graphics 5000 for mainstream laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The high 3.8 GHz turbo boost provides excellent single-threaded responsiveness for everyday tasks.
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 titles at 720p or 1080p on low settings.
Struggles with most modern games; can only handle very old 2D or lightweight 3D indie titles.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs with VT-d support, but dual-core limits multitasking.
Not recommended for virtualization due to dual-core limits and low base clock.
Efficiency
37W TDP is standard for mobile but runs warmer 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 CPU limits inference performance
- No AI hardware support
- Dual-core design makes AI inference extremely slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to an entry-level discrete mobile GPU
- Can handle older games like Bioshock Infinite at 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 3.8 GHz turbo boost for excellent single-threaded tasks
- Socketed design allows for upgrades
- HD 5000 graphics are capable for media
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP runs warm
- End-of-life and outdated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- End-of-life and outdated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 i5-4330M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4702MQRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3340MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5350MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
A quad-core chip for the same Socket G3, offering a massive upgrade in multi-core performance.
- 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.
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 step up from the 4300M, offering slightly higher clock speeds and strong single-core performance for its era, though obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop from a Celeron or Pentium to this i5 for cheap.
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 i5-4330M or Intel Core i5-4350U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4330M 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 i5-4330M or Intel Core i5-4350U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4330M leads with a gaming performance score of 46/100 among Intel Core i5-4330M 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 i5-4330M (37 W), Intel Core i5-4350U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4330M and Intel Core i5-4350U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4330M: Intel Socket G3, Intel Core i5-4350U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.