Core i5-4288U vs Core i7-3687U

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 i5-4288U vs Core i7-3687U 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 i5-4288U vs Core i7-3687U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

✅+37.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $342 MSRP, while Core i7-3687U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (640 vs 880).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,240 vs 1,800).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4288U better than Core i7-3687U?

Yes. Core i5-4288U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 33 shared CPU game tests in our data, 45.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.4% 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 i5-4288U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 33 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4288U is the stronger fit. You are getting 45.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4288U is the better buy right now. Core i5-4288U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $342 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 33 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4288U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i5-4288U vs Core i7-3687U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4288U

The Core i5-4288U 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.

Core i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4288U and Core i7-3687U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3687U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-4288U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3687U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4288U scores 2,659 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-4288U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 880 vs 640, a 31.6% lead for the Core i5-4288U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,800 vs 1,240 (36.8% advantage for the Core i5-4288U). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4288U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U.

Feature	Core i5-4288U	Core i7-3687U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+24%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,659+1%	2,621
Geekbench 6 Single	880+38%	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,800+45%	1,240

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4288U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3687U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L 1600 MHz memory speed. The Core i7-3687U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4288U) vs 16 (Core i7-3687U) — the Core i7-3687U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4288U) and QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3687U).

Feature	Core i5-4288U	Core i7-3687U
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L 1600 MHz	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-4288U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4288U) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3687U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4288U targets Mobile, Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.