Core i5-430UM vs Pentium T4400

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 i5-430UM vs Pentium T4400 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 i5-430UM vs Pentium T4400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-430UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Pentium T4400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Pentium T4400

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (249 vs 250).
❌Lower PassMark (1,175 vs 1,185).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $107 MSRP, while Core i5-430UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-430UM better than Pentium T4400?

Yes. Core i5-430UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% better 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 i5-430UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 i5-430UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Core i5-430UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-430UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium T4400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA478.

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

Core i5-430UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and 200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-430UM vs Pentium T4400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-430UM

The Core i5-430UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.73 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,185 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium T4400

The Pentium T4400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,175 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-430UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-430UM scores 1,185 against the Pentium T4400's 1,175 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-430UM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 250 vs 249, a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-430UM that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-430UM vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium T4400.

Feature	Core i5-430UM	Pentium T4400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	1.73 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.2 GHz+83%
L3 Cache	3 MB+200%	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,185	1,175
Geekbench 6 Single	250	249
Geekbench 6 Multi	500	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-430UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium T4400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-800 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-430UM) vs 0 (Pentium T4400) — the Core i5-430UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55 (Core i5-430UM) and GL40,GM45 (Pentium T4400).

Feature	Core i5-430UM	Pentium T4400
Socket	BGA1288	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-430UM) vs None (Pentium T4400). The Core i5-430UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Pentium T4400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-430UM targets Legacy Ultrabook, Pentium T4400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-430UM rivals Pentium SU7300; Pentium T4400 rivals AMD A4-3300M.