Core i5-5250U vs Core i7-2640M
Core i5-5250U
Core i7-2640M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-5250U is positioned at rank 685 and the Core i7-2640M is on rank 1159, so the Core i5-5250U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-5250U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2640M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-5250U | Core i7-2640M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-5250U | Core i7-2640M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-5250U and Core i7-2640M
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.
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 |
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 33.3% 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
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.
| Feature | Core i5-5250U | Core i7-2640M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 6000 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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