Core i5-4278U vs Core i5-4200M
Core i5-4278U
Core i5-4200M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-4278U is positioned at rank 726 and the Core i5-4200M is on rank 1025, so the Core i5-4278U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4278U
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4200M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4278U | Core i5-4200M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4278U | Core i5-4200M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-4278U and Core i5-4200M
Core i5-4278U
The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.
Core i5-4200M
The Core i5-4200M 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-4278U and Core i5-4200M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Core i5-4200M's 2,809 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-4278U. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-4278U | Core i5-4200M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+4% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 2,826 | 2,809 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,688 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 889 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,860 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4278U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4200M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4200M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4278U) vs 16 (Core i5-4200M) — the Core i5-4200M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-4278U | Core i5-4200M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | PGA946 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i5-4278U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4278U) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4200M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i5-4278U | Core i5-4200M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Iris Graphics 5100 | HD Graphics 4600 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-4278U and Core i5-4200M
