Core i5-3437U vs Core i5-4200U

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 i5-3437U vs Core i5-4200U 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 i5-3437U vs Core i5-4200U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3437U

2013

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (440 vs 733).
❌Lower PassMark (2,166 vs 2,176).

Core i5-4200U

2013

Why buy it

✅+66.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4200U better than Core i5-3437U?

Yes. Core i5-4200U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4200U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i5-4200U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4200U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4200U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-4200U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3437U vs Core i5-4200U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3437U

The Core i5-3437U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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 (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,166 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-4200U

The Core i5-4200U 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 2,176 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3437U and Core i5-4200U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-3437U versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-4200U — a 10.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3437U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i5-3437U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4200U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3437U scores 2,166 against the Core i5-4200U's 2,176 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-4200U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 440 vs 733, a 50% lead for the Core i5-4200U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3437U	Core i5-4200U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+12%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	1.9 GHz+19%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,166	2,176
Geekbench 6 Single	440	733+67%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,080	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3437U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4200U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-3437U 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 i5-3437U) vs 12 (Core i5-4200U) — the Core i5-3437U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3437U) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4200U).

Feature	Core i5-3437U	Core i5-4200U
Socket	BGA1023	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3L-1600
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

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3437U) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4200U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3437U) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i5-4200U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3437U targets Business Ultrabook, Core i5-4200U targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3437U rivals AMD A8-4555M; Core i5-4200U rivals A6-5350M.

Feature	Core i5-3437U	Core i5-4200U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Business Ultrabook	Thin & Light Laptop