Intel Core i3-4005U
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-4005U Specifications
Core i3-4005U Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-4005U features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i3-4005U Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-4005U benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-4005U by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-4005U Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-4005U processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-4005U's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Haswell Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-4005U is built on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-4005U incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Haswell Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-4005U by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i3-4005U Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-4005U has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1168 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-4005U uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1168 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-4005U define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-4005U determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i3-4005U Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-4005U includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-4005U provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i3-4005U Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-4005U is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-4005U by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-4005U Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i3-4005U performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i3-4005U. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i3-4005U. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i3-4005U after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-4005U maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i3-4005U across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i3-4005U can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i3-4005U
Intel Core i3-4005U is a dual-core Haswell mobile processor that lands in the 12th percentile of all CPUs benchmarked, making it a decidedly entry-level part by modern standards. Its average benchmark score of 569 places it in a tight cluster with older desktop and server chips, where the performance deltas are measured in fractions of a percent rather than meaningful margins. The data shows a processor designed for basic mobile productivity, not sustained compute-heavy workloads.
How It Compares
The closest rival is the Intel Core i7-820QM, a first-generation quad-core mobile processor from 2009. The i3-4005U trails it by a mere 0.6% in average benchmark score, which is statistically negligible. Despite the i7 branding and two additional physical cores on the older chip, the i3-4005U’s newer Haswell architecture and higher per-clock efficiency effectively neutralize the core-count advantage in these aggregate tests.
Against the AMD Athlon II X3 455, a triple-core desktop processor, the i3-4005U holds a 0.6% lead. This is a case where the Intel part’s hyper-threading allows its two physical cores to present four threads, roughly matching the raw throughput of AMD’s three physical cores in the averaged benchmark suite. The delta is within run-to-run variance, so the two are functionally equivalent in overall performance.
The AMD Athlon II X4 610e, a quad-core low-power desktop chip, edges out the i3-4005U by 0.7%. This is the largest deficit among the listed rivals, yet still under one percent. The extra two physical cores on the AMD side are offset by the i3-4005U’s superior single-thread efficiency and lower operating power, creating a near-dead heat in the aggregate score.
The Intel Xeon E5506, a server-oriented quad-core from the Nehalem generation, also beats the i3-4005U by 0.7%. This comparison highlights how far mobile processors have come, as a low-voltage dual-core laptop chip trades blows with an enterprise server part from an older era. The i3-4005U’s performance class is firmly anchored to these legacy multi-core parts, none of which offer a meaningful advantage.
Power and Thermals
The i3-4005U carries a 15-watt TDP, which classifies it in the ultra-low-power mobile segment. This is the defining characteristic of the chip: it is engineered for thin-and-light laptops where thermal headroom is minimal and battery life is prioritized over sustained performance. A 15W TDP implies the need for only a basic cooling solution, typically a small heat pipe and a low-profile fan, or even passive cooling in some chassis designs.
At this power class, the processor will not boost beyond its 1.70 GHz base clock, as no boost clock is specified in the data. The lack of a turbo means that thermal throttling is rarely a concern under short bursts, but sustained multi-threaded loads will run at a constant, modest pace. The 22 nm process node helps keep heat density low, but the performance ceiling is hard-limited by the clock speed and dual-core configuration rather than by cooling capability.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-4005U uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, which means it is permanently soldered to the motherboard. There is no upgrade path for the CPU itself; the platform is sealed at the time of purchase. This is typical for ultraportable mobile designs, where the processor is integrated into a compact mainboard and the user is expected to replace the entire system for a faster CPU.
Memory support is limited to DDR3, with no ECC capability. The lack of ECC memory support indicates this is a consumer-oriented part, not designed for mission-critical error-correcting workloads. The integrated graphics are Intel HD 4400, which handles basic display output and video playback but offers no meaningful gaming performance beyond the lowest settings and resolutions.
The platform is based on the Haswell architecture, which was released in 2013. This is a legacy socket with no forward compatibility to newer Intel generations. The PCIe support is not specified in the data, which suggests it is limited to the standard Haswell-era complement of lanes, sufficient for a single discrete GPU but not for multi-GPU configurations. The upgrade path is effectively non-existent, making the entire platform a fixed, sealed unit.
FAQ
Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Core i3-4005U have?
A: It has 2 physical cores and 4 threads, enabled by Intel’s hyper-threading technology.
Q: What is the base clock speed and does it have a boost clock?
A: The base clock is 1700.00 MHz (1.70 GHz). No boost clock is listed, meaning the processor operates at a fixed frequency.
Q: What is the TDP and what cooling does it require?
A: The TDP is 15 watts, which places it in the ultra-low-power mobile segment. It requires only a basic, low-profile cooling solution suitable for thin laptops.
Q: What type of memory does it support and does it support ECC?
A: It supports DDR3 memory only, and ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What is the socket type and can the CPU be upgraded?
A: It uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, which is a soldered connection. The CPU cannot be upgraded; it is permanently attached to the motherboard.
Q: What integrated graphics does it feature?
A: It features the Intel HD 4400 integrated graphics, which are suitable for basic display and video tasks but not for demanding 3D workloads.
Benchmark Performance
In Cinebench R23, the i3-4005U scores 198 points in single-core and 1406 points in multi-core. The multi-core score is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score, which is a poor scaling ratio and reflects the limitations of only two physical cores. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 83 single-core and 590 multi-core, showing a similar pattern. The R15 multi-core score is 141, and the Geekbench results show 519 single-core and 1047 multi-core.
Relative to its nearest rivals, the performance deltas are minuscule. The i3-4005U is 0.6% behind the Core i7-820QM and 0.7% behind both the Athlon II X4 610e and Xeon E5506, while being 0.6% ahead of the Athlon II X3 455. These differences are far below the threshold of perceptible real-world variation. In practical terms, the i3-4005U performs identically to all four rivals in aggregate benchmark scores, despite being a much newer and lower-power design.
The absolute scores place the i3-4005U in the bottom 12% of all CPUs. For context, a modern desktop processor would score several thousand points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while this chip manages only 1406. The Geekbench multi-core score of 1047 reinforces the entry-level positioning. These numbers indicate a processor that can handle basic office tasks and web browsing but will struggle with video editing, 3D rendering, or any multi-threaded professional application.
Who Should Consider It
For gaming, the i3-4005U is not a viable option. The integrated HD 4400 graphics and low single-core score of 198 in Cinebench R23 mean that even esports titles will run at low settings and reduced resolutions. The 15W TDP and lack of a boost clock prevent any meaningful GPU pairing, as the CPU would bottleneck even a modest discrete graphics card. The data does not support any gaming recommendation beyond legacy 2D titles.
For content creation, the multi-core score of 1406 in Cinebench R23 is insufficient for modern video encoding or 3D rendering. A single 4K video export would take an extremely long time. The processor is better suited for light photo editing in older software versions, where the single-core performance of 519 in Geekbench can handle basic adjustments and exports. However, any serious creative workload should look to a processor with more cores and higher clocks.
For office productivity and general use, the i3-4005U is adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing with a limited number of tabs open. The dual-core design with hyper-threading can handle these tasks without excessive lag, and the low power draw makes it suitable for long battery life in a portable chassis. The 12th percentile ranking means it will feel slow compared to any modern processor, but for basic daily tasks, it will get the job done without crashing.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The single-thread performance of the i3-4005U is its relative strength, scoring 198 in Cinebench R23 and 519 in Geekbench. These scores are low in absolute terms, but they represent a reasonable level of efficiency for a 15W part from 2013. The lack of a boost clock means this is the maximum single-thread performance available at all times, with no turbo headroom for short bursts. Applications that rely on a single thread, such as older games or lightly threaded productivity tools, will see consistent but unremarkable performance.
The multi-thread behavior is constrained by the dual-core design. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1406 is only 7.1 times the single-core score, which is a poor scaling ratio. In theory, a perfect dual-core with hyper-threading should scale to roughly 4 times the single-core score, but the observed ratio is lower due to shared cache and memory bandwidth limitations. The 3 MB shared L3 cache is modest, and the DDR3 memory support limits data throughput. The multi-threaded performance is sufficient for background tasks and light multitasking, but it will bottleneck when multiple demanding applications run simultaneously.
The split between single-thread and multi-thread scores indicates that the i3-4005U is best used for workloads that are primarily single-threaded, such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback. For multi-threaded workloads, the processor’s dual-core limitation becomes apparent, and the performance falls well behind even the older quad-core rivals in the nearestRivals list. The data suggests that users should prioritize single-threaded applications and avoid heavy multi-tasking scenarios.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-4005U
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
Popular Intel Core i3-4005U Comparisons
See how the Core i3-4005U stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.
Compare Core i3-4005U with Other CPUs
Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.
Browse CPUs