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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-2557M is positioned at rank #36 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2557M

#10

Ryzen 7 260

MSRP: $199|Avg: $70

88%

#24

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

181%

#25

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

179%

#26

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

164%

#27

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

163%

#28

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

162%

#30

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

156%

#31

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

150%

#32

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

150%

#33

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

146%

#36

Core i5-2557M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#38

Core 2 Duo T8100

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

96%

#39

Atom 330

MSRP: $43|Avg: $30

95%

#43

Core 2 Duo SU7300

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

92%

#51

Celeron N2807

MSRP: $107|Avg: $60

86%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-2557M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-2557M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2557M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 1.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,618, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 521, while multi-core reaches 882.

Specification	Core i5-2557M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	624 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,618
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	521
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	882

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2557M fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-2557M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1023
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,QS67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-2557M is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 3200U.

Specification	Core i5-2557M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 3 3200U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-2557M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Tower 120mm.

Specification	Core i5-2557M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Tower 120mm

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #36 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2743 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-2557M
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$250
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#36
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2743
Release DateLaunch date	1 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel