Core i5-4250U vs Phenom II X3 N870

Core i5-4250U vs Phenom II X3 N870 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-4250U

2 / 4

2,144

0.0%

2,145

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i5-4250U vs Phenom II X3 N870 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 i5-4250U vs Phenom II X3 N870: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4250U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 5000, while Phenom II X3 N870 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,144 vs 2,145).
❌34033.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 1.5W.

Phenom II X3 N870

2010

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4250U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 N870 better than Core i5-4250U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4250U is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 N870 pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 N870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom II X3 N870 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X3 N870 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark.

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

Core i5-4250U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4250U vs Phenom II X3 N870 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4250U

The Core i5-4250U 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 1.3 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: 2,144 points. Launch price was $430.

Phenom II X3 N870

The Phenom II X3 N870 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,145 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4250U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 N870 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 N870 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-4250U versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom II X3 N870 — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4250U. The Core i5-4250U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X3 N870 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4250U scores 2,144 against the Phenom II X3 N870's 2,145 — a 0% lead for the Phenom II X3 N870.

Feature	Core i5-4250U	Phenom II X3 N870
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+13%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+16967%	1.5 MB
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,144	2,145
Geekbench 6 Single	770	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,450	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4250U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 N870 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4250U	Phenom II X3 N870
Socket	FCBGA1168	S1g4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4250U) / not specified (Phenom II X3 N870). The Core i5-4250U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 5000), while the Phenom II X3 N870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4250U targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-4250U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.