Core i3-4158U vs Core i5-2415M

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 i3-4158U vs Core i5-2415M 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 i3-4158U vs Core i5-2415M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4158U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,921 vs 1,933).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i5-2415M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2415M better than Core i3-4158U?

Yes. Core i5-2415M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2415M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i5-2415M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2415M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-2415M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-4158U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4158U vs Core i5-2415M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-2415M

The Core i5-2415M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,933 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4158U and Core i5-2415M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-4158U versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2415M — a 36.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-2415M (base: 2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-4158U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2415M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4158U scores 1,921 against the Core i5-2415M's 1,933 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2415M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-4158U	Core i5-2415M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.9 GHz+45%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.3 GHz+15%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,921	1,933
Geekbench 6 Single	457	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4158U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2415M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4158U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2415M — the Core i3-4158U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4158U) vs 16 (Core i5-2415M) — the Core i5-2415M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-4158U	Core i5-2415M
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i3-4158U) vs VT-x (Core i5-2415M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i3-4158U) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2415M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4158U targets Multimedia, Core i5-2415M targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i3-4158U	Core i5-2415M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel Iris Graphics 5100	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x / VT-d / EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Multimedia	Mobile