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Intel Core i5 4430S Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$20
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4384
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.2 GHz

Intel Core i5 4430S review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.3

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.0

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.5

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    2.7

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

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?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-4430S is a quad-core 4th generation Haswell desktop processor designed for the LGA1150 socket, featuring a 2.70 GHz base frequency, a 3.20 GHz max turbo boost, and 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Launched in 2013, it includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3-1600 memory across two channels. Its primary advantage is its power-optimised 65W TDP, which allows for cooler and quieter operation in compact or energy-efficient builds compared to standard 84W models. However, it suffers from a lower base clock speed than its non-S counterparts, lacks hyper-threading, and is now considered an end-of-life component that lacks official support for modern operating systems like Windows 11.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 4430S

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.9
Intel Core i5 4430S has a technical score of 3.86 points, which is lower than that of 86.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i5 4430S has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.7
Intel Core i5 4430S has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 4430S belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1150
Intel Core i5 4430S uses the LGA1150 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 56.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.8% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

H97, Z97, H87, Q87, B85, Q85, Z87, H81
Intel Core i5 4430S supports H97, Z97, H87, Q87, B85, Q85, Z87, H81 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 52.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 4430S uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i5 4430S has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i5 4430S offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 4430S offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.2 GHz
Intel Core i5 4430S reaches a boost clock of 3.2 GHz which is lower than that of 89.5% of processors and equal to that of 2% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.7 GHz
Intel Core i5 4430S has a base clock of 4x2.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i5 4430S uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i5 4430S is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i5 4430S has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i5 4430S has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i5 4430S has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i5 4430S supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i5 4430S supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i5 4430S supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i5 4430S supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 4430S includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 4600
Intel Core i5 4430S uses the Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 65.7% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

20
Intel Core i5 4430S has 20 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 51.6% of processors and equal to 4.4% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 4430S has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 4430S supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 51.5% of processors and equal to 0.9% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 4430S has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 4430S has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

1 seconds
Intel Core i5 4430S has a turbo duration of 1 seconds which is longer than that of 96.4% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 4430S does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 4430S vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 4430S includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 4430S includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 10x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 4430S is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 4430S is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).£25 vs £250
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 4430S includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Power & Thermal
  • 7 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 4430S has an older release date than the average processor (2,013 vs 2,020).
    June 2013
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 4430S supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 4430S does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older TPM support
    Intel Core i5 4430S supports an older TPM version than the average processor (TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2.0).
  • 25.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 28.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,774 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 79.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (979 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 33.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (980 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 58.4% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,384 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 4430S does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 4430S has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 4430S has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 4430S uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i5 4430S uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 4430S supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 4430S does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 27 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (1 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 25.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 28.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,774 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,774 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,774 vs 2,483
  • 79.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (979 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (979 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.979 vs 4,793
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 4430S has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
  • 33.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (980 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (980 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.980 vs 1,471
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i5 4430S has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 58.4% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,384 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i5 4430S has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,384 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,384 vs 10,532.5
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 4430S does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 4430S does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 4430S and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5 4430S?

  • Energy efficient with a low 65W TDP compared to the standard 4430 model
  • Good value for money, especially for budget-friendly or older builds
  • Reliable performance for everyday productivity, web browsing, and office work
  • Capable of handling light to average gaming (e.g., Roblox, Fall Guys) at 1080p
  • Includes integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics, reducing the immediate need for a dedicated GPU

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 4430S?

  • Outdated technology that struggles with modern, resource-intensive software and AAA games
  • Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking for performance gains
  • Lacks hyper-threading, which limits multitasking compared to i7 models
  • Slower base clock speed (2.7 GHz) than the standard i5-4430 variant
  • Compatibility is limited to the older LGA 1150 socket, hindering future upgrade paths

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
07/09/2014
Core i5 and i7 Haswell - Review Database - TechPowerUp

Intel's 4th Generation "Haswell" Core i5-4670K and i7-4770K processors, based on the 22 nm process and LGA1150 socket, provided a refined "Tock" cycle, offering significant improvements in integrated graphics (HD 4600) and power efficiency. While the i7-4770K excelled in multi-threaded tasks, both "K" series CPUs featured unlocked multipliers for overclocking, alongside platform...Read more

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cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-4430S @ 2.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-4430S is a 4th-generation, 65W TDP "Haswell" desktop processor launched in 2013, designed for energy efficiency with 4 cores and a 2.7 GHz base clock. Suitable for low-power SFF builds, home servers, or basic tasks, it offers 6MB of L3 cache and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600. Cons include its age, with performance not meeting modern, high-intensity demands, and...Read more

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hardware.fr
01/06/2013
Intel Core i7-4770K and i5-4670K: Haswell Review (Includes i5-4430S Comparison)

The Hardware.fr review of Intel's 4th generation "Haswell" CPUs (i7-4770K, i5-4670K, i5-4430) highlights a 8% to 15% IPC performance increase over Ivy Bridge, with the i7-4770K leading in multi-threaded tasks and the i5-4670K offering high gaming value. Key architectural shifts include the new LGA 1150 socket, requiring motherboard upgrades, and the integration of voltage regulators...Read more

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valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i5-4430S (Single-Thread)

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D benchmarked at valid.x86.fr (dytunh) is a high-value, 8-core/16-thread AM4 processor operating with a 3.0 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost clock. Its 96 MB L3 3D V-Cache drives high gaming performance, offering near-flagship results for AM4 systems. While it thrives in cache-sensitive gaming, lower clock speeds result in reduced productivity performance compared to...Read more

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