Core i5-2557M vs Pentium Dual Core T2370

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 i5-2557M vs Pentium Dual Core T2370 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 i5-2557M vs Pentium Dual Core T2370: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2557M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium Dual Core T2370 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌1600% higher power demand at 17W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T2370

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 17W, a 16W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,601 vs 1,618).
❌Launch MSRP is still $150 MSRP, while Core i5-2557M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2557M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2557M better than Pentium Dual Core T2370?

Yes. Core i5-2557M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2557M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i5-2557M 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 i5-2557M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2557M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium Dual Core T2370 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA478.

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

Core i5-2557M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2557M vs Pentium Dual Core T2370 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium Dual Core T2370

The Pentium Dual Core T2370 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.73 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,601 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2557M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium Dual Core T2370's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-2557M versus 1.73 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T2370 — a 43.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-2557M. The Core i5-2557M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T2370 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2557M scores 1,618 against the Pentium Dual Core T2370's 1,601 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2557M.

Feature	Core i5-2557M	Pentium Dual Core T2370
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz+56%	1.73 GHz
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	1,618+1%	1,601
Geekbench 6 Single	521	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	882	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2557M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T2370 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 Pentium Dual Core T2370 — the Core i5-2557M supports 99.9% 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 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2557M) vs 0 (Pentium Dual Core T2370) — the Core i5-2557M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-2557M	Pentium Dual Core T2370
Socket	BGA1023	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+100%	DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB+100%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2557M) vs No VT-x (Pentium Dual Core T2370). The Core i5-2557M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium Dual Core T2370 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2557M targets Budget, Pentium Dual Core T2370 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-2557M rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.