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Overview

The Core i3-4158U 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 GHz, with boost up to 2 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: 1,921 points. Launch price was $315.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-4158U is positioned at rank #576 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4158U

#179

Core i7-1260P

MSRP: $432|Avg: $432

100%

#564

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

764%

#565

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

752%

#566

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

691%

#567

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

688%

#568

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

681%

#570

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

658%

#571

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

631%

#572

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

630%

#573

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

613%

#576

Core i3-4158U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#583

Processor N100

MSRP: $128|Avg: $100

99%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-4158U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-4158U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-4158U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,921, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 457.

Specification	Core i3-4158U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,921
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	457

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4158U fits into the FCBGA1168 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 5100 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-4158U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1168
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	12
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel Iris Graphics 5100
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM86,HM87
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-4158U is primarily designed for Multimedia. Virtualization: VT-x / VT-d / EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-4158U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Multimedia
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x / VT-d / EPT

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-4158U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock (Laptop).

Specification	Core i3-4158U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	28 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock (Laptop)

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #576 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2614 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-4158U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$315
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#576
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2614
Release DateLaunch date	4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel