Core i5-4278U vs Core i7-920

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 i7-920 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 i7-920: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Graphics 5100, while Core i7-920 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-920 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,826 vs 2,866).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Core i7-920

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Core i5-4278U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4278U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-920 better than Core i5-4278U?

Yes. Core i7-920 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-920 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.7% 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 i7-920 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 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?

Core i7-920 is the better buy right now. Core i7-920 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4278U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4278U vs Core i7-920 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 i7-920

The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4278U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-920 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-4278U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i5-4278U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-920 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Core i7-920's 2,866 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-920. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4278U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920.

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Core i7-920
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+6%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.66 GHz+2%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	2,826	2,866+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,688	—
Geekbench 6 Single	889	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,860	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4278U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-920 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Core i7-920
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1366
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: true (Core i5-4278U) / not specified (Core i7-920). The Core i5-4278U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Core i7-920 requires a dedicated GPU.