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 i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U: 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

✅Costs $216 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $398 MSRP).
✅Delivers 118.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.7 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $398 MSRP).
✅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 i7-4500U.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-4500U

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,490 vs 2,491).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($398 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌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 i7-4500U?

Yes. Core i5-2390T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% 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 1.6% 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 i5-2390T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% 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 $216 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $398 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 118.8% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4500U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2390T vs Core i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U

The Core i7-4500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,490 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2390T and Core i7-4500U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-4500U — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-2390T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4500U uses Haswell-ULT (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2390T scores 2,491 against the Core i7-4500U's 2,490 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-2390T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2390T vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4500U.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i7-4500U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+17%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+50%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell-ULT (2013)
PassMark	2,491	2,490
Geekbench 6 Single	614	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2390T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4500U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2390T versus 1600 on the Core i7-4500U — the Core i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U) — 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 Haswell-U (Core i7-4500U).

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i7-4500U
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	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 true (Core i7-4500U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2390T) and Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i7-4500U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop, Core i7-4500U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i7-4500U
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	true
Target Use	Legacy Low Power Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2390T was priced at $182, while the Core i7-4500U came in at $398. On launch pricing ($182 vs $398), Core i5-2390T was $216 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2390T delivers 13.7 pts/$ vs 6.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4500U — making the Core i5-2390T the 74.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i7-4500U
MSRP	$182-54%	$398
Performance per Dollar	13.7+117%	6.3
Release Date	2011	2013

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