Intel Core i5-4288U

The Intel Core i5-4288U is a 2-core, 4-thread mobile processor from the Haswell generation, released on June 3, 2013. It operates at a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 3.10 GHz, with a TDP of 28 W. Benchmark data places it at the 24th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 934 across the suite.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i5-4288U’s benchmark results reveal a clear split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R20, the multicore score is 951 while the singlecore score is 133, a ratio of roughly 7.2×. This large multiplier is typical for a dual-core part with Hyper-Threading, where the multi-core workload benefits from the extra threads but the single-core score reflects the per-core efficiency of the Haswell architecture. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score is 2265 and the singlecore score is 319, again showing a similar proportional advantage. Geekbench reports a singlecore score of 896 and a multicore score of 1745, which is a 1.95× scaling—closer to the theoretical 2× limit for two physical cores, indicating that the additional threads provide modest gains in memory-bound or lightly threaded workloads.

The gap between single and multi scores matters for real workloads. Applications that rely on a single thread—such as older games, spreadsheet recalculation, or certain scripting tasks—will see performance closer to the 319-point R23 singlecore score, while modern video encoding, 3D rendering, and parallel compilation tasks will approach the 2265-point multicore result. The 3 MB shared L3 cache and 22 nm process node help mitigate latency, but the 28 W TDP limits sustained boost behavior. Overall, the processor is better suited to bursty, short-duration workloads than to long-running multi-threaded tasks, where thermal constraints may reduce clock speeds.

How It Compares

The i5-4288U sits within a tight cluster of comparable processors. Its average benchmark score of 934 is virtually identical to that of the Intel Core i5-4330M, which scores 933. The delta of 0.1% means the i5-4288U is marginally faster, though the difference is negligible in practice. Both parts share similar dual-core configurations, so the 0.1% gap likely comes from minor clock or cache variations.

Against the Intel Core i5-2400S, a desktop-oriented part with a 928 average score, the i5-4288U holds a 0.6% lead. This is surprising given the i5-2400S’s higher power envelope, but the i5-4288U’s newer Haswell architecture and higher boost clock compensate. The i7-4600U, a low-voltage dual-core with a 927 average score, trails by 0.8%. That delta is consistent with the i5-4288U’s higher TDP (28 W vs. the i7-4600U’s typical 15 W class), allowing more sustained performance.

The only rival that outpaces the i5-4288U is the Intel Xeon X5560, a server-oriented chip with an average score of 942. The Xeon is 0.8% faster, a margin that reflects its higher core count and memory bandwidth, though it consumes far more power and targets a different market segment. Within the mobile dual-core space, the i5-4288U is effectively at parity with its nearest competitors, with all deltas under 1%.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark scores place the i5-4288U in the lower quartile of all CPUs (24th percentile), but its performance is consistent across tests. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 228, which is a modest result for a dual-core part. The R20 multicore score of 951 and R23 multicore score of 2265 show that the processor scales well with longer render times, though absolute numbers remain low compared to modern desktop CPUs.

Single-core performance is equally modest: 133 in R20 and 319 in R23. These scores are about 30% of what a current high-end desktop CPU would achieve, but they are adequate for light productivity and web browsing. Geekbench singlecore at 896 and multicore at 1745 reinforce this picture—the multicore score is roughly 1.95× the singlecore, which is close to the theoretical maximum for two physical cores with four threads.

The average benchmark score of 934 is the primary metric for comparison. Relative to the nearest rivals, the i5-4288U is 0.1% ahead of the i5-4330M, 0.6% ahead of the i5-2400S, 0.8% ahead of the i7-4600U, and 0.8% behind the Xeon X5560. These deltas are small enough that real-world application differences will be dominated by thermal design, cooling, and system memory rather than raw CPU throughput.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-4288U support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK indicates `eccMemory: false`, so it does not support ECC memory.

Q: What socket does the i5-4288U use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, which is a soldered (non-LGA) mobile package.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Intel HD 5100, which is the integrated GPU for this Haswell part.

Q: What is the process node and transistor count?

A: The process node is 22 nm, and the die contains 1,400 million transistors with a die size of 118 mm².

Q: What is the L3 cache size?

A: The L3 cache is 3 MB shared across both cores.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (`multiplierUnlocked: false`), so overclocking is not supported.

Who Should Consider It

The i5-4288U is best suited for users whose workloads are primarily single-threaded or light multi-threaded. For everyday office tasks—word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing—the 2.60 GHz base clock and 3.10 GHz boost are adequate, and the 28 W TDP allows for fanless or low-noise designs in thin laptops. The single-core Geekbench score of 896 is sufficient for responsive UI interaction, though it will lag behind more recent processors.

For gaming, the integrated Intel HD 5100 is not designed for modern 3D titles, and the CPU’s modest multi-core performance (R23 multicore 2265) will bottleneck demanding games that require more than two cores. Casual or older games that rely on a single thread may run acceptably at lower settings.

Content creation is a mixed bag. Light photo editing and basic video playback will work, but video encoding or 3D rendering—which scale well with multi-threading—will be slow. The R20 multicore score of 951 is roughly one-third of a typical quad-core desktop part, so serious creators should look elsewhere.

In short, the i5-4288U is a competent entry-level mobile CPU for productivity and media consumption, but it is not intended for heavy compute workloads. Its 24th percentile ranking confirms that it sits near the bottom of the performance spectrum, yet its low power draw and integrated graphics make it a practical choice for ultraportable laptops from the Haswell era.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-4288U is a mobile processor soldered to the motherboard via the Intel BGA 1168 socket, meaning it is not upgradeable in a typical laptop. It supports DDR3 memory, but the FACT PACK does not list a memory bus width or bandwidth, so those details are not specified. ECC memory is not supported.

The processor integrates Intel HD 5100 graphics, which provides display output without a discrete GPU. The PCIe information is not listed in the FACT PACK, so no claims about PCIe lanes or versions can be made. The architecture is Haswell, built on a 22 nm process with a die size of 118 mm² and 1,400 million transistors. The part number is SR189.

The release date of June 3, 2013 places it in the early Haswell mobile lineup. Its TDP of 28 W is moderate for a dual-core, allowing for compact cooling solutions. Because it uses a BGA socket, there is no upgrade path beyond the original motherboard; users must replace the entire system to improve CPU performance. The locked multiplier further limits tuning. For those considering this processor, compatibility is restricted to devices designed for the BGA 1168 socket and DDR3 memory.