Core i5-4200M vs Core i5-4278U

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 i5-4200M vs Core i5-4278U 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 i5-4200M vs Core i5-4278U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4200M

2013

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,809 vs 2,826).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-4278U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-4278U

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4278U better than Core i5-4200M?

Yes. Core i5-4278U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4278U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4278U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4278U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4200M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.

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

Core i5-4278U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and 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 i5-4200M vs Core i5-4278U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4200M

The Core i5-4200M 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-4278U

The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4200M and Core i5-4278U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4200M scores 2,809 against the Core i5-4278U's 2,826 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-4278U. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i5-4278U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,809	2,826
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,688
Geekbench 6 Single	—	889
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,860

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4200M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4278U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4200M 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 i5-4200M) vs 12 (Core i5-4278U) — the Core i5-4200M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i5-4278U
Socket	PGA946	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-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

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M) vs true (Core i5-4278U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4200M) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4278U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile.