Core i3-5020U vs Core i7-3555LE

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 i3-5020U vs Core i7-3555LE 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 i3-5020U vs Core i7-3555LE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5020U

2015

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 5500, while Core i7-3555LE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,232 vs 2,238).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1948% higher power demand at 512W vs 25W.

Core i7-3555LE

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 512W, a 487W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i3-5020U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5020U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3555LE better than Core i3-5020U?

Yes. Core i7-3555LE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3555LE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3555LE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-3555LE is the better buy right now. Core i7-3555LE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-5020U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-5020U vs Core i7-3555LE Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5020U

The Core i3-5020U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 2,232 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-3555LE

The Core i7-3555LE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,238 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5020U and Core i7-3555LE share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-5020U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3555LE — a 37% clock advantage for the Core i7-3555LE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-5020U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3555LE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5020U scores 2,232 against the Core i7-3555LE's 2,238 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3555LE. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5020U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3555LE.

Feature	Core i3-5020U	Core i7-3555LE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.2 GHz+45%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.5 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,232	2,238
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,200	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5020U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3555LE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-5020U	Core i7-3555LE
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5020U) / not specified (Core i7-3555LE). The Core i3-5020U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 5500), while the Core i7-3555LE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5020U targets Mainstream Laptop.