Core i5-4258U vs FX-4100

Core i5-4258U vs FX-4100 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-4258U

2 / 4

2,610

0.0%

2,630

+0.8%

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 i5-4258U vs FX-4100 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 i5-4258U vs FX-4100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4258U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,610 vs 2,630).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

FX-4100

2011

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $115 MSRP, while Core i5-4258U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-4100 better than Core i5-4258U?

Yes. FX-4100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-4100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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, FX-4100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

FX-4100 is the better buy right now. FX-4100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $115 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4258U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4258U vs FX-4100 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4258U

The Core i5-4258U 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 2.4 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: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,610 points. Launch price was $342.

FX-4100

The FX-4100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,630 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4258U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4258U versus 3.8 GHz on the FX-4100 — a 26.9% clock advantage for the FX-4100 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-4258U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-4100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4258U scores 2,610 against the FX-4100's 2,630 — a 0.8% lead for the FX-4100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4258U vs 8192 kB on the FX-4100.

Feature	Core i5-4258U	FX-4100
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.8 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8192 kB+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	4096 kB+1500%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	2,610	2,630

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4258U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.