Quick Verdict
A capable processor for its time that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern standards.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen Core i5
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-4288U is a 4th generation Haswell dual-core mobile processor introduced in 2013, featuring a 28W TDP and Intel HD Graphics 5100 for premium thin-and-light laptops.
The Core i5-4288U balances a 28W thermal envelope with 2 cores and 4 threads to provide snappy performance for everyday mobile tasks. Its standout feature was the Intel HD Graphics 5100, offering decent 1080p gaming and media playback without a discrete GPU. While obsolete today, it was a popular choice for 2013-era ultrabooks.
Specifications
Performance
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
- •HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today
- •Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12_1
- •Suitable only for retro or extremely light gaming
- •No AI acceleration hardware
- •Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
3 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-4288U is built on the Haswell microarchitecture, representing Intel's 4th generation Core processor family. Haswell introduced significant advancements in power management and integrated graphics over the previous Ivy Bridge generation. This chip is manufactured on Intel's 22-nanometer Tri-Gate process, packing 1.4 billion transistors into a 118 mm² die. It features a dual-core design with Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process four threads simultaneously. The processor includes 3 MB of Intel Smart Cache, which is dynamically shared between the cores to reduce latency and improve data throughput. The defining architectural feature of this specific model is its 28-watt thermal design power, which is higher than the standard 15W ultrabook chips. This extra thermal headroom is utilized by the integrated Intel HD Graphics 5100, which boasts 40 execution units. This was a substantial upgrade over the HD 4400 found in lower-TDP models, providing significantly better 3D rendering and media processing capabilities directly on the silicon.
CPU Design
Dual-core design with Hyper-Threading for 4 total threads.
Memory Subsystem
Integrated dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 2.0 lanes for peripheral connectivity.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, no overclocking support.
- Upgraded graphics from HD 4000 to HD 5100
- Improved CPU instruction set efficiency
- Better idle power consumption
Key Highlights
- Good integrated graphics for its era
- 28W TDP offers better sustained performance than 15W chips
- Supports Hyper-Threading
- Solid single-thread performance for basic tasks
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and unsupported by modern OS standards
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Weak by modern mobile standards
History
The Core i5-4288U was launched on June 4, 2013, as part of Intel's Haswell rollout. <br> This processor addressed a specific market need for ultra-portable laptops that required more graphical power than standard 15W ultrabook chips could provide. By utilizing a 28W thermal envelope, Intel was able to integrate HD Graphics 5100, which featured 40 execution units.
This made it a popular choice for premium thin-and-light laptops, most notably the 2013 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. The chip allowed these systems to drive high-resolution displays and perform light media tasks without the need for a discrete GPU. While the Haswell architecture was a major leap in battery life for mobile computing, the 4288U prioritized performance over ultimate efficiency.
Today, it is considered end-of-life, having been replaced by newer architectures with significantly better performance per watt.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Upgraded graphics from HD 4000 to HD 5100
- Improved CPU instruction set efficiency
- Better idle power consumption
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a very cheap, used laptop strictly for basic web browsing or as a typewriter.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Needing modern software compatibility
- Playing modern games
- Doing video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'U' suffix typically denotes 15W, but this chip has a 28W TDP.
It was notably used in the 2013 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
The HD 5100 graphics were marketed as 'Iris' in some regions.
It features 40 execution units, double that of the HD 4400.
Built on the 22nm Tri-Gate (FinFET) process.
The die size is a compact 118 mm².
It supports Intel Quick Sync Video for fast hardware video encoding.
The processor can address up to 16 GB of RAM.
It supports Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology.
Base clock is a relatively high 2.6 GHz for an ultrabook chip.
People Also Ask
Is the Intel Core i5-4288U good for gaming?
It can run very old or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO, but it is not suitable for modern gaming.
Can you overclock the Core i5-4288U?
No, the multiplier is locked and it is a soldered BGA chip, preventing overclocking.
What is the TDP of the i5-4288U?
It has a 28 Watt TDP, which is higher than the standard 15W ultrabook processors.
What graphics does the Core i5-4288U have?
It features Intel HD Graphics 5100 with 40 execution units.
Does the i5-4288U support DDR4 memory?
No, it only supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
Is the i5-4288U still good in 2024?
It is heavily outdated but can still handle basic web browsing and office applications.
How many cores does the i5-4288U have?
It has 2 physical cores and 4 threads, thanks to Hyper-Threading.
What socket does the i5-4288U use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, meaning it is permanently soldered to the motherboard.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-4288U?
The maximum turbo frequency is 3.1 GHz.
Does the i5-4288U support Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11 due to its age and lack of TPM 2.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Intel Core i5-4288U released?
It was released on June 4th, 2013.
What generation is the Core i5-4288U?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor, codenamed Haswell.
Does the Core i5-4288U support hardware virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d for hardware virtualization.
What is the L3 cache size of the i5-4288U?
It has 3 MB of shared L3 cache.
Is the i5-4288U good for video editing?
It can handle very light 1080p editing, but it will struggle with 4K or heavy effects.
What is the base clock of the i5-4288U?
The base clock is 2.6 GHz.
What part number is associated with the i5-4288U?
The part number is SR189.
Does the i5-4288U have an unlocked multiplier?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What Macs used the Core i5-4288U?
It was notably used in the 2013 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
Can I upgrade the i5-4288U in my laptop?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.