Core i5-4310M vs Core i7-4578U

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 i5-4310M vs Core i7-4578U 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 i5-4310M vs Core i7-4578U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4310M

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,067 vs 3,075).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-4578U

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4578U better than Core i5-4310M?

Yes. Core i7-4578U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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 i7-4578U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i7-4578U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-4578U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4578U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-4578U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) 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 i5-4310M vs Core i7-4578U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4310M

The Core i5-4310M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,067 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-4578U

The Core i7-4578U 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,075 points. Launch price was $426.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4310M and Core i7-4578U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4310M versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4578U — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-4578U (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4310M scores 3,067 against the Core i7-4578U's 3,075 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-4578U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4310M vs 4 MB on the Core i7-4578U.

Feature	Core i5-4310M	Core i7-4578U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.5 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,067	3,075

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4310M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4578U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.