Core i3-4030Y vs Core i5-4220Y

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-4030Y vs Core i5-4220Y FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-4030Y vs Core i5-4220Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-4030Y

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-4220Y

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,652 vs 1,654).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4030Y better than Core i5-4220Y?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4220Y is ahead with 25% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4030Y pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4030Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-4030Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-4030Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4030Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4030Y vs Core i5-4220Y Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-4030Y

The Core i3-4030Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,654 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-4220Y

The Core i5-4220Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,652 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4030Y and Core i5-4220Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Core i3-4030Y versus 2 GHz on the Core i5-4220Y — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4220Y (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4030Y scores 1,654 against the Core i5-4220Y's 1,652 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-4030Y. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-4030Y	Core i5-4220Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	2 GHz+25%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,654	1,652