Core i5-2557M vs Phenom II X3 720

CPU

GPU

Core i5-2557M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Phenom II X3 720

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010

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Core i5-2557M vs Phenom II X3 720 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-2557M

2 / 4

1,618

+1.1%

1,600

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i5-2557M vs Phenom II X3 720 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 Phenom II X3 720: 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

✅+37.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 17W instead of 95W, a 78W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Phenom II X3 720 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (882 vs 980).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Phenom II X3 720.

Phenom II X3 720

2010

Why buy it

✅+11.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i5-2557M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (380 vs 521).
❌Launch MSRP is still $130 MSRP, while Core i5-2557M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌458.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 17W.
❌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 Phenom II X3 720?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2557M is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 720 pulls ahead with 11.1% better Geekbench multi-core. Phenom II X3 720 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 720 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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 $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Phenom II X3 720 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.

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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2557M vs Phenom II X3 720 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.

Phenom II X3 720

The Phenom II X3 720 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,600 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2557M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 720 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 720 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-2557M versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 720 — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 720 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-2557M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2557M scores 1,618 against the Phenom II X3 720's 1,600 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2557M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 521 vs 380, a 31.3% lead for the Core i5-2557M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 882 vs 980 (10.5% advantage for the Phenom II X3 720). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2557M vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 720.

Feature	Core i5-2557M	Phenom II X3 720
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+65%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,618+1%	1,600
Geekbench 6 Single	521+37%	380
Geekbench 6 Multi	882	980+11%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2557M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Phenom II X3 720 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QS67 (Core i5-2557M) and AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 720).

Feature	Core i5-2557M	Phenom II X3 720
Socket	BGA1023	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Phenom II X3 720 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2557M) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X3 720). The Core i5-2557M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom II X3 720 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2557M targets Budget, Phenom II X3 720 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2557M rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.