Core i3-4120U vs Core i3-4158U

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 i3-4120U vs Core i3-4158U 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 i3-4120U vs Core i3-4158U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4120U

2014

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-4158U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (457 vs 462).
❌Lower PassMark (1,921 vs 1,948).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4120U better than Core i3-4158U?

Yes. Core i3-4120U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4120U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4120U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4120U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-4120U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-4120U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and 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 i3-4120U vs Core i3-4158U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4120U

The Core i3-4120U 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 2 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): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,948 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i3-4158U

The Core i3-4158U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,921 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4120U and Core i3-4158U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-4120U versus 2 GHz on the Core i3-4158U — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4120U scores 1,948 against the Core i3-4158U's 1,921 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i3-4120U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 462 vs 457, a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-4120U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4120U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4158U.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Core i3-4158U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,948+1%	1,921
Geekbench 6 Single	462+1%	457
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,071	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1168 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 12 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM86,HM87 (Core i3-4120U) and HM86,HM87 (Core i3-4158U).

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Core i3-4158U
Socket	FCBGA1168	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-4120U) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i3-4158U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4120U) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i3-4158U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4158U targets Multimedia.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Core i3-4158U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4400	Intel Iris Graphics 5100
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use	—	Multimedia