Core i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-5350U

Intel

Core i5-7Y54

2 Cores4 Thrd4.5 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-5350U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-5350U Performance Spectrum

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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-5350U 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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-5350U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7Y54

2016

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $34 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
  • Delivers 12.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 9.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
  • Draws 5W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-5350U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,586 vs 2,589).

Core i5-5350U

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($315 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • 11277.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 4.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-5350U better than Core i5-7Y54?
Yes. Core i5-5350U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-5350U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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 i5-5350U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-5350U is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-5350U comes in 12.1% more expensive on MSRP at $315 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7Y54 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.2% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-7Y54 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-5350U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-7Y54

The Core i5-7Y54 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,586 points. Launch price was $281.

Intel

Core i5-5350U

The Core i5-5350U 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 2,589 points. Launch price was $315.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7Y54 and Core i5-5350U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-7Y54 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-5350U — a 9.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-7Y54 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-7Y54 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-5350U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7Y54 scores 2,586 against the Core i5-5350U's 2,589 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-5350U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7Y54 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5350U.

FeatureCore i5-7Y54Core i5-5350U
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+10%
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
1.8 GHz+50%
L3 Cache
4 MB+33%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark
2,586
2,589
Geekbench 6 Single
900
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,700
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7Y54 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-5350U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR3-1866 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 10 (Core i5-7Y54) vs 12 (Core i5-5350U) — the Core i5-5350U offers 2 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-7Y54Core i5-5350U
Socket
FCBGA1515
FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR3-1866
LPDDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
10
12+20%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7Y54) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-5350U). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core i5-7Y54) and HD Graphics 6000 (Core i5-5350U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7Y54 targets Tablet/2-in-1, Core i5-5350U targets Mobile.

FeatureCore i5-7Y54Core i5-5350U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 615
HD Graphics 6000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Tablet/2-in-1
Mobile
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7Y54 was priced at $281, while the Core i5-5350U came in at $315. On launch pricing ($281 vs $315), Core i5-7Y54 was $34 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7Y54 delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-5350U — making the Core i5-7Y54 the 11.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-7Y54Core i5-5350U
MSRP
$281-11%
$315
Performance per Dollar
9.2+12%
8.2
Release Date
2016
2015

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