Core i5-4200Y vs Phenom X4 9500

Intel

Core i5-4200Y

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.9 GHz2013
VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9500

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2007

Core i5-4200Y vs Phenom X4 9500 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-4200Y vs Phenom X4 9500 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 i5-4200Y vs Phenom X4 9500: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4200Y

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4200, while Phenom X4 9500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,558 vs 1,564).
  • ❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom X4 9500

2007

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $247 MSRP, while Core i5-4200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X4 9500 better than Core i5-4200Y?
Yes. Phenom X4 9500 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% 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, Phenom X4 9500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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, Phenom X4 9500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom X4 9500 is the better buy right now. Phenom X4 9500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $247 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2007) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4200Y vs Phenom X4 9500 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-4200Y

The Core i5-4200Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,558 points. Launch price was $297.

AMD

Phenom X4 9500

The Phenom X4 9500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007βˆ’2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,564 points. Launch price was $149.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i5-4200Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9500 offers 4 cores / 4 threads β€” the Phenom X4 9500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4200Y versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9500 β€” a 14.6% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9500. The Core i5-4200Y uses the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9500 uses Agena (2007βˆ’2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4200Y scores 1,558 against the Phenom X4 9500's 1,564 β€” a 0.4% lead for the Phenom X4 9500. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4200Y vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9500.

FeatureCore i5-4200YPhenom X4 9500
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
1.9 GHz
2.2 GHz+16%
Base Clock
1.4 GHz
β€”
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)+50%
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm-66%
65 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
Agena (2007βˆ’2008)
PassMark
1,558
1,564
Geekbench 6 Single
574
β€”
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4200Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9500 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-4200YPhenom X4 9500
Socket
FCBGA1168
AM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600
β€”
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
β€”
RAM Channels
2
β€”
ECC Support
No
β€”
PCIe Lanes
12
β€”
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4200Y) / not specified (Phenom X4 9500). The Core i5-4200Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4200), while the Phenom X4 9500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-4200Y rivals A4-5150M.

FeatureCore i5-4200YPhenom X4 9500
Integrated GPU
Yes
β€”
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4200
β€”
Unlocked
No
β€”
AVX-512
No
β€”
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
β€”
Target Use
Tablet/2-in-1
β€”