Core i5-2390T vs Core i7-4650U

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 i7-4650U 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 i7-4650U: 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

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-4650U needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4650U.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i7-4650U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-4650U

2013

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,463 vs 2,491).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2390T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2390T better than Core i7-4650U?

Yes. Core i5-2390T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% 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 1.7% 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 1.1% 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 $182 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4650U 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 i7-4650U 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 i7-4650U

The Core i7-4650U 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 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 2,463 points. Launch price was $454.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2390T and Core i7-4650U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4650U — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i5-2390T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4650U uses Haswell-ULT (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2390T scores 2,491 against the Core i7-4650U's 2,463 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2390T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2390T vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4650U.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i7-4650U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+59%	1.7 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+1%	2,463
Geekbench 6 Single	614	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2390T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4650U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i7-4650U
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T) / not specified (Core i7-4650U). The Core i5-2390T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-4650U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.