Core i5-4278U vs Turion 64 X2 TL-56

Intel

Core i5-4278U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Turion 64 X2 TL-56

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Core i5-4278U vs Turion 64 X2 TL-56 Performance Spectrum

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 i5-4278U vs Turion 64 X2 TL-56 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56: 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Turion 64 X2 TL-56 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,826 vs 2,835).
  • 51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Turion 64 X2 TL-56

2007

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4278U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion 64 X2 TL-56 better than Core i5-4278U?
Yes. Turion 64 X2 TL-56 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Turion 64 X2 TL-56 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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, Turion 64 X2 TL-56 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Turion 64 X2 TL-56 still makes the most sense overall. Turion 64 X2 TL-56 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4278U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4278U vs Turion 64 X2 TL-56 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Turion 64 X2 TL-56

The Turion 64 X2 TL-56 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Trinidad / Tyler (2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90/65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,835 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4278U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion 64 X2 TL-56's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U versus 1.8 GHz on the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 — a 53.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4278U. The Core i5-4278U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 uses Trinidad / Tyler (2007) (90/65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Turion 64 X2 TL-56's 2,835 — a 0.3% lead for the Turion 64 X2 TL-56.

FeatureCore i5-4278UTurion 64 X2 TL-56
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3.1 GHz+72%
1.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB
1 MB+100%
Process
22 nm-76%
90/65 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Trinidad / Tyler (2007)
PassMark
2,826
2,835
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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-4278UTurion 64 X2 TL-56
Socket
FCBGA1168
S1
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 (Turion 64 X2 TL-56). The Core i5-4278U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i5-4278UTurion 64 X2 TL-56
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel Iris Graphics 5100
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true