Core i3-5005U vs Core i3-5015U

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i3-5015U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i3-5015U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-5005U

2015

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-5015U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,990 vs 2,012).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5005U better than Core i3-5015U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-5015U is ahead with 5% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5005U pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5005U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-5005U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-5005U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-5005U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i3-5015U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-5005U

The Core i3-5005U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,012 points. Launch price was $275.

Core i3-5015U

The Core i3-5015U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,990 points. Launch price was $275.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5005U and Core i3-5015U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-5005U versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5015U — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-5015U (base: 2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-5005U scores 2,012 against the Core i3-5015U's 1,990 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-5005U. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-5005U	Core i3-5015U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.1 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.1 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	2,012+1%	1,990
Geekbench 6 Single	617	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,227	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1168 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 12 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-5005U	Core i3-5015U
Socket	FCBGA1168	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-5005U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5015U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5005U) and HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5015U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5015U targets Mobile.