Core i3-7102E vs Core i5-4258U

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 i3-7102E vs Core i5-4258U 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 i3-7102E vs Core i5-4258U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7102E

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 512W, a 487W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-4258U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4258U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,599 vs 2,610).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-4258U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-4258U

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌1948% higher power demand at 512W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7102E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4258U better than Core i3-7102E?

Yes. Core i5-4258U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4258U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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 i5-4258U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4258U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4258U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-7102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

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

Core i3-7102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7102E vs Core i5-4258U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7102E

The Core i3-7102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-4258U

The Core i5-4258U 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 2,610 points. Launch price was $342.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7102E and Core i5-4258U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4258U — a 32% clock advantage for the Core i5-4258U. The Core i3-7102E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4258U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the Core i5-4258U's 2,610 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-4258U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4258U.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-4258U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.9 GHz+38%
Base Clock	—	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,599	2,610
Cinebench R23 Multi	659	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,962	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-7102E) / not specified (Core i5-4258U). The Core i3-7102E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-4258U requires a dedicated GPU.