CPU
GPU
Core i5-2557M
Core Duo T2500
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-2557M is positioned at rank 36 and the Core Duo T2500 is on rank 943, so the Core i5-2557M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2557M
Performance Per Dollar Core Duo T2500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2557M | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yonah (2005−2006) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2557M | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2557M and Core Duo T2500
Core i5-2557M
The Core i5-2557M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,618 points. Launch price was $250.
Core Duo T2500
The Core Duo T2500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Yonah (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 31 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,621 points. Launch price was $120.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2557M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core Duo T2500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-2557M versus 2 GHz on the Core Duo T2500 — a 29.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-2557M (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-2557M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core Duo T2500 uses Yonah (2005−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2557M scores 1,618 against the Core Duo T2500's 1,621 — a 0.2% lead for the Core Duo T2500. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2557M vs 0 kB on the Core Duo T2500.
| Feature | Core i5-2557M | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz+35% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 2 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Yonah (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,618 | 1,621 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 521 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 882 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2557M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core Duo T2500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2557M versus DDR2-667 on the Core Duo T2500 — the Core i5-2557M supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2557M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2557M) vs 0 (Core Duo T2500) — the Core i5-2557M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-2557M | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+100% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2557M) vs VT-x (Core Duo T2500). The Core i5-2557M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core Duo T2500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2557M targets Budget, Core Duo T2500 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-2557M rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.
| Feature | Core i5-2557M | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget | Mobile |
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