Core i3-6157U vs Core i5-4278U

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 i3-6157U vs Core i5-4278U 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 i3-6157U vs Core i5-4278U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6157U

2016

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,782 vs 2,826).

Core i5-4278U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4278U better than Core i3-6157U?

Yes. Core i5-4278U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4278U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i5-4278U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4278U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4278U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-6157U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6157U vs Core i5-4278U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6157U

The Core i3-6157U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,782 points. Launch price was $304.

Core i5-4278U

The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6157U and Core i5-4278U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-6157U versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U — a 25.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4278U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-6157U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4278U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6157U scores 2,782 against the Core i5-4278U's 2,826 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-4278U. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-6157U	Core i5-4278U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.1 GHz+29%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,782	2,826+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,688
Geekbench 6 Single	—	889
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,860

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6157U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4278U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6157U versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4278U — the Core i3-6157U supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6157U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 12 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-6157U	Core i5-4278U
Socket	BGA1356	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6157U) vs true (Core i5-4278U). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Graphics 550 (Core i3-6157U) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4278U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6157U targets Mobile.