Core i5-4200M vs Core i7-5550U

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 i5-4200M vs Core i7-5550U 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 i5-4200M vs Core i7-5550U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4200M

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-5550U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-5550U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-5550U

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,780 vs 2,809).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4200M better than Core i7-5550U?

Yes. Core i5-4200M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4200M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 i5-4200M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4200M is the better buy right now. Core i5-4200M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5550U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4200M vs Core i7-5550U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4200M

The Core i5-4200M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-5550U

The Core i7-5550U 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 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,780 points. Launch price was $426.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4200M and Core i7-5550U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-5550U — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4200M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-4200M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-5550U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4200M scores 2,809 against the Core i7-5550U's 2,780 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-4200M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4200M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-5550U.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i7-5550U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+3%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	2,809+1%	2,780

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4200M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-5550U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i7-5550U
Socket	PGA946	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M) / not specified (Core i7-5550U). The Core i5-4200M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-5550U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile.