| Intel Core i5 4200U vs 3230M |
The Intel Core i5 4200U versus the Intel Core i5 3230M asks the question, “Is the 4th generation of Core processors worth the upgrade?” Let’s take a closer look at these dual core processors and see which comes out on top.
Here we have two laptop processors which are geared towards different purposes. The newer 4200U is designed for Ultraportables, and because of this flexibility, it comes in at an underclocked 1.6 GHz. Thankfully, it packs a higher model HD 4400 GPU while still managing to keep power consumption low at 35W.
In stark contrast is the 3230M, geared for more performance in laptops. It clocks in at 2.6 GHz, an HD 4000 GPU, and a standard 35W TDP. It should be noted that these two CPUs are hyperthreaded, which results to better core efficiency.
Onto the results: it’s surprising that these CPUs are neck and neck in terms of single core performance, with merely a hundred points separating them in the PassMark benchmark. As for other benchmarks, the bulkier 3230M is consistently faster at around 500 points.
Overall, the Intel Core i5 3230M comes out on top when comparing from a purely performance standpoint. However, if you're looking towards a power efficient and portable laptop, don't look further than the Intel Core i5 4200U.
Cast your vote Do you agree or disagree with CPUBoss?
Differences What are the advantages of each
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CPUBoss is not aware of any important advantages of the 4200U vs the 3230M FCPGA988. | |||||||
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CPUBoss is not aware of any important advantages of the 3230M FCPGA988 vs the 4200U. | |||||||
Benchmarks Real world tests of Core i5 4200U vs 3230M
CompuBench 1.5 (Bitcoin mining) Data courtesy CompuBench
CompuBench 1.5 (T-Rex) Data courtesy CompuBench
PCMark 8 Home 3.0 Accelerated Data courtesy FutureMark
Sky Diver Data courtesy FutureMark
Cloud Gate Data courtesy FutureMark
GeekBench 3 (Multi-core) Data courtesy Primate Labs
GeekBench 3 (Single core) Data courtesy Primate Labs
GeekBench 3 (AES single core) Data courtesy Primate Labs
Specifications Full list of technical specs
summary | Core i5 4200U | vs | 3230M |
---|---|---|---|
Clock speed | 1.6 GHz | 2.6 GHz | |
Turbo clock speed | 2.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz | |
Cores | Dual core | Dual core | |
Is unlocked | No | No | |
features | |||
Has a NX bit | Yes | Yes | |
Supports trusted computing | No | No | |
Has virtualization support | Yes | Yes | |
Instruction set extensions | |||
SSE2 | |||
MMX | |||
SSE4 | |||
AVX | |||
SSE3 | |||
EM64T | |||
SSE | |||
SSE4.1 | |||
FMA3 | |||
SSE4.2 | |||
Supplemental SSE3 | |||
AES | |||
AVX 2.0 | |||
Supports dynamic frequency scaling | Yes | Yes | |
memory controller | |||
Memory controller | Built-in | Built-in | |
Memory type | |||
DDR3-1600 | |||
DDR3L-1600 | |||
DDR3-1333 | |||
DDR3L-1333 | |||
LPDDR3-1333 | |||
LPDDR3-1600 | |||
Channels | Dual Channel | Dual Channel | |
Supports ECC | No | No | |
Maximum bandwidth | 25,600 MB/s | 25,600 MB/s | |
Maximum memory size | 16,384 MB | 32,768 MB |
details | Core i5 4200U | vs | 3230M |
---|---|---|---|
Architecture | x86-64 | x86-64 | |
Threads | 4 | 4 | |
L2 cache | 0.5 MB | 0.5 MB | |
L2 cache per core | 0.25 MB/core | 0.25 MB/core | |
L3 cache | 3 MB | 3 MB | |
L3 cache per core | 1.5 MB/core | 1.5 MB/core | |
Manufacture process | 22 nm | 22 nm | |
Max CPUs | 1 | 1 | |
Operating temperature | Unknown - 100°C | Unknown - 105°C | |
integrated graphics | |||
GPU | GPU | GPU | |
Label | Intel® HD Graphics 4400 | Intel® HD Graphics 4000 | |
Number of displays supported | 3 | 3 | |
GPU clock speed | 200 MHz | 650 MHz | |
Turbo clock speed | 1,000 MHz | 1,100 MHz | |
power consumption | |||
TDP | 15W | 35W | |
Annual home energy cost | 3.61 $/year | 8.43 $/year | |
Performance per watt | 38.06 pt/W | 12.42 pt/W | |
Typical power consumption | 12.19W | 28.44W | |
bus | |||
Architecture | DMI 2.0 | DMI | |
Number of links | 1 | 1 | |
Transfer rate | 5,000 MT/s | 5,000 MT/s |
Intel Core i5 4200U ![]() | Intel Core i5 3230M ![]() |
Laptops
Looking for a laptop?
- 40 laptops with the Intel Core i5 4200U, starting from $360
- 3 laptops with the Intel Core i5 3230M, starting from $700
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