Core i5-5257U
Intel
PassMark
2,837
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.
Overview
The Core i5-5257U 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,837 points. Launch price was $315.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-5257U is positioned at rank #725 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-5257U
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i5-5257U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i5-5257U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i5-5257U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 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 2,837, 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 950, while multi-core reaches 1,900.
| Specification | Core i5-5257U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.1 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Broadwell-U (2015) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 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 | 133 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1900 Million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 5 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 2,837 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 950 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 1,900 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-5257U fits into the FCBGA1168 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to LPDDR3 1866 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i5-5257U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i5 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 12 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | LPDDR3 1866 MHz |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 16 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Intel Iris Graphics 6100 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Broadwell-U |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core i5-5257U is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core i5-5257U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Mobile |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | true |
Power & Cooling
The Core i5-5257U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i5-5257U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 28 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
Value Analysis
It currently holds Rank #725 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2290 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i5-5257U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $315 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #725 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2290 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 March 2015 (10 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2015 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Core i5-5257U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Core i5-5257U
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