Core i5-4220Y vs Phenom X4 9350e

Intel

Core i5-4220Y

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9350e

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Core i5-4220Y vs Phenom X4 9350e 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 i5-4220Y vs Phenom X4 9350e 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 i5-4220Y vs Phenom X4 9350e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4220Y

2014

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,652 vs 1,659).
  • 687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Phenom X4 9350e

2008

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X4 9350e better than Core i5-4220Y?
Yes. Phenom X4 9350e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% 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?
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, Phenom X4 9350e 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 9350e still makes the most sense overall. Phenom X4 9350e comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4220Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4220Y vs Phenom X4 9350e Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-4220Y

The Core i5-4220Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 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 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,652 points. Launch price was $281.

AMD

Phenom X4 9350e

The Phenom X4 9350e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 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): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,659 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4220Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9350e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9350e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i5-4220Y versus 2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9350e — identical boost frequencies. The Core i5-4220Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9350e uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4220Y scores 1,652 against the Phenom X4 9350e's 1,659 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom X4 9350e. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4220Y vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9350e.

FeatureCore i5-4220YPhenom X4 9350e
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2 GHz
2 GHz
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB+50%
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB
512 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-66%
65 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark
1,652
1,659
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4220Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9350e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-4220YPhenom X4 9350e
Socket
FCBGA1168
AM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0