Core i5-5250U vs Core i7-2640M

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 i5-5250U vs Core i7-2640M 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 i5-5250U vs Core i7-2640M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-5250U

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,445 vs 2,450).
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Core i5-5250U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2640M better than Core i5-5250U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2640M is ahead with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5250U pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-2640M also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5250U 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 i7-2640M is the better buy right now. Core i7-2640M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-5250U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-5250U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-5250U vs Core i7-2640M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5250U

The Core i5-5250U 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 2,450 points. Launch price was $315.

Core i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-5250U and Core i7-2640M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-5250U versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M — a 25.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-5250U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2640M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5250U scores 2,450 against the Core i7-2640M's 2,445 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-5250U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5250U vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M.

Feature	Core i5-5250U	Core i7-2640M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.5 GHz+30%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.8 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,450	2,445
Geekbench 6 Single	—	563
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,184

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5250U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the Core i5-5250U versus 1333 on the Core i7-2640M — the Core i5-5250U supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-5250U) vs 16 (Core i7-2640M) — the Core i7-2640M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i5-5250U) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2640M).

Feature	Core i5-5250U	Core i7-2640M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+40%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16	16
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 6000 (Core i5-5250U) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2640M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.