Core i3-5157U vs Core i3-7020U

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 i3-5157U vs Core i3-7020U 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 i3-5157U vs Core i3-7020U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5157U

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Graphics 6100, while Core i3-7020U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌3313.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 15W.

Core i3-7020U

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 512W, a 497W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-5157U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,567 vs 2,593).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5157U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5157U better than Core i3-7020U?

Yes. Core i3-5157U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-5157U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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 i3-5157U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-5157U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-5157U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-7020U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-5157U vs Core i3-7020U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5157U

The Core i3-5157U 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,593 points. Launch price was $315.

Core i3-7020U

The Core i3-7020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,567 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5157U and Core i3-7020U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-5157U versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-7020U — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-5157U (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-5157U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-7020U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5157U scores 2,593 against the Core i3-7020U's 2,567 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-5157U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5157U vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7020U.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i3-7020U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+9%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+9%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,593+1%	2,567
Geekbench 6 Single	793	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5157U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7020U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i3-7020U
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866	—
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, EPT (Core i3-5157U) / not specified (Core i3-7020U). The Core i3-5157U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 6100), while the Core i3-7020U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5157U targets Premium Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-5157U rivals A12-8800B.