Core i5-2390T vs Core i5-4300U

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 i5-2390T vs Core i5-4300U 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 i5-2390T vs Core i5-4300U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4300U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i5-4300U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-4300U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (607 vs 614).
❌Lower PassMark (2,482 vs 2,491).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2390T better than Core i5-4300U?

Yes. Core i5-2390T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% 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 i5-2390T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 i5-2390T 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 i5-2390T is the better buy right now. Core i5-2390T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $182 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-4300U 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 i5-2390T vs Core i5-4300U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

Core i5-4300U

The Core i5-4300U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 2,482 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2390T and Core i5-4300U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4300U — a 18.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i5-2390T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4300U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2390T scores 2,491 against the Core i5-4300U's 2,482 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2390T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 614 vs 607, a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2390T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2390T vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4300U.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-4300U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+21%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+42%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,491	2,482
Geekbench 6 Single	614+1%	607
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,722

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2390T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4300U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2390T versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4300U — the Core i5-4300U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2390T 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2390T) vs 12 (Core i5-4300U) — the Core i5-2390T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2390T) and HM86,HM87 (Core i5-4300U).

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-4300U
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T) vs Yes (Core i5-4300U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2390T) and Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i5-4300U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-4300U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Legacy Low Power Desktop	—