Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-5557U

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 i5-2400S vs Core i7-5557U 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 i5-2400S vs Core i7-5557U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2400S

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-5557U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $135 MSRP, while Core i7-5557U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-5557U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,153 vs 3,187).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2400S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2400S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2400S better than Core i7-5557U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-5557U is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400S pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i5-2400S also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i5-2400S is the better buy right now. Core i5-2400S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $135 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-5557U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5557U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-5557U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2400S

The Core i5-2400S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,187 points. Launch price was $141.

Core i7-5557U

The Core i7-5557U 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,153 points. Launch price was $426.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2400S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-5557U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2400S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2400S versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-5557U — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i7-5557U (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-2400S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-5557U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2400S scores 3,187 against the Core i7-5557U's 3,153 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2400S. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400S vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-5557U.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-5557U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.1 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)+50%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	3,187+1%	3,153
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,965	—
Geekbench 6 Single	578	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,966	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2400S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-5557U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-5557U
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i5-2400S) / not specified (Core i7-5557U). The Core i5-2400S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-5557U requires a dedicated GPU.