Core i5-4258U vs Xeon X5460

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 Xeon X5460 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 Xeon X5460: 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

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5460, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌326.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 120W.

Xeon X5460

2007

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 512W, a 392W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,582 vs 2,610).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4258U better than Xeon X5460?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5460 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4258U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4258U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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, Core i5-4258U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4258U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4258U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4258U vs Xeon X5460 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.

Xeon X5460

The Xeon X5460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.16 GHz, with boost up to 0.17 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,582 points. Launch price was $1,172.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4258U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5460 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5460 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4258U versus 0.17 GHz on the Xeon X5460 — a 177.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-4258U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.16 GHz). The Core i5-4258U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5460 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4258U scores 2,610 against the Xeon X5460's 2,582 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-4258U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4258U vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5460.

Feature	Core i5-4258U	Xeon X5460
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+1606%	0.17 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.16 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4167%	6 MB (total)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,610+1%	2,582

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4258U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5460 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.