Core i5-2557M vs VIA Nano QuadCore L4700

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 VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 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 VIA Nano QuadCore L4700: 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

✅Draws 17W instead of 28W, a 11W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

VIA Nano QuadCore L4700

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,615 vs 1,618).
❌64.7% higher power demand at 28W 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 VIA Nano QuadCore L4700?

Yes. Core i5-2557M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, 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 0.4% 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 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2557M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-2557M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-2557M vs VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 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.

VIA Nano QuadCore L4700

The VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 is manufactured by TSMC. It was released in 12 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the CNQ (2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.47 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: NanoBGA2. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,615 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2557M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-2557M versus 1.47 GHz on the VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 — a 59% clock advantage for the Core i5-2557M (base: 1.7 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i5-2557M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 uses CNQ (2011) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2557M scores 1,618 against the VIA Nano QuadCore L4700's 1,615 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2557M.

Feature	Core i5-2557M	VIA Nano QuadCore L4700
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz+84%	1.47 GHz
Base Clock	1.7 GHz+42%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	32 nm-20%	40 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	CNQ (2011)
PassMark	1,618	1,615
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 VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 uses NanoBGA2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2557M	VIA Nano QuadCore L4700
Socket	BGA1023	NanoBGA2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2557M) / not specified (VIA Nano QuadCore L4700). The Core i5-2557M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the VIA Nano QuadCore L4700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2557M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2557M rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.