Core i5-4278U vs Core i5-5257U

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 i5-4278U vs Core i5-5257U 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 i5-4278U vs Core i5-5257U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4278U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-5257U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,860 vs 1,900).

Core i5-5257U

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-5257U better than Core i5-4278U?

Yes. Core i5-5257U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.4% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-5257U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.1% 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 i5-5257U is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-5257U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-5257U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-5257U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4278U vs Core i5-5257U Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-5257U

The Core i5-5257U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,837 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4278U and Core i5-5257U 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 i5-5257U — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-4278U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-5257U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Core i5-5257U's 2,837 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-5257U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 889 vs 950, a 6.6% lead for the Core i5-5257U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,860 vs 1,900 (2.1% advantage for the Core i5-5257U). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4278U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5257U.

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Core i5-5257U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.7 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	2,826	2,837
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,688	—
Geekbench 6 Single	889	950+7%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,860	1,900+2%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1168 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4278U versus LPDDR3 1866 MHz on the Core i5-5257U — the Core i5-5257U supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 12 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4278U) and Broadwell-U (Core i5-5257U).

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Core i5-5257U
Socket	FCBGA1168	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	LPDDR3 1866 MHz+17%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	12

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4278U) and Intel Iris Graphics 6100 (Core i5-5257U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5257U targets Mobile.