CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3320M vs Intel Core i5-2557M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3320M is a dual-core mobile processor launched in June 2012 under the Ivy Bridge generation. Fabricated on a 22nm process, this chip was tailored for business and performance-mainstream laptops. It operates at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.3 GHz, providing a slight edge over the 3210M. With two cores and four threads, it handles multitasking efficiently for its era. The 35-watt TDP ensures it runs cool enough for standard laptop chassis. A key differentiator for this model is the inclusion of Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), making it more appealing for corporate environments where hardware security is a priority. It also features the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, which dynamically scale from 650 MHz to 1200 MHz. While it shares the same 3MB L3 cache as its siblings, the higher clock speeds give it a tangible advantage in single-threaded workloads. Though long discontinued, it represents a strong value tier from the Ivy Bridge era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office apps well but struggles with modern web apps.
Noticeably slower than standard-voltage Sandy Bridge in sustained workloads due to thermal throttling in thin chassis.
Gaming
Can play older titles like CS:GO on low settings, but nothing modern.
Even weaker than the 35 W variant due to lower sustained clocks. Not viable for any modern game.
Virtualization
Basic VM support, limited by 2 cores.
Technically supports VT-x but too slow for practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 2012, but poor by modern mobile standards.
17 W TDP was efficient for 2011 but modern chips deliver 10x the performance at similar power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI silicon
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern 3D rendering
- Suitable for 2D indie games
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12 feature levels
- Lower sustained clocks than 35 W variants
- Intel HD 3000 graphics only
- No modern API support
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Higher base and turbo clocks than 3210M
- Intel TXT and vPro support
- Good performance for 2012
- 35W TDP allows for easy cooling
- Hardware video encode/decode (Quick Sync)
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- No Windows 11 support
- Only 2 cores / 4 threads
- Weak integrated graphics
- Lacks modern I/O connectivity
Pros
- 17 W TDP enabled truly portable laptop designs
- Turbo boost to 2.7 GHz helps burst workloads
- AES-NI and VT-x support despite low power
- Same feature set as standard-voltage Sandy Bridge
Cons
- 1.7 GHz base clock was slow even in 2011
- Sustained performance suffers in thin chassis with limited cooling
- BGA package cannot be upgraded
- Intel HD 3000 graphics are completely outdated
- Massive performance gap versus modern low-voltage processors
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3320M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile CPU
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i3-3120MRival
Mobile CPU
Even faster Ivy Bridge mobile alternative.
Compare head-to-headHaswell successor with better IPC and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium 4415UAlt
Modern low-end alternative with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
Modern budget alternative with superior graphics.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern alternative with much better performance per watt.
Intel Core i5-2557M
- AMD A4-3305MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- AMD E-450Rival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile Standard Voltage
- Intel Core i3-2367MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- Intel Core i7-2637MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- Intel Core i5-3317UAlt
Ivy Bridge 17 W successor with HD 4000 graphics and better efficiency.
Haswell ULV with significantly better performance at 15 W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern low-voltage option with 6 cores and 15 W configurable TDP.
Current-generation low-power chip with 12 cores and excellent efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A slightly faster, security-enhanced Ivy Bridge mobile chip ideal for old enterprise laptops, but unsuitable for modern use.
Best for: Buying a system with the Intel Core i5-3320M in the modern era is generally not recommended unless you have very specific needs. As a 3rd-generation Intel Core processor, it is fundamentally obsolete for modern workloads and lacks official Windows 11 support. However, if you are looking for a cheap, rugged, used ThinkPad for Linux experimentation, light coding, or as a typewriter, the 3320M is a capable chip. Its 2.6 GHz base and 3.3 GHz turbo, combined with four threads, can handle basic web browsing and document editing if paired with an SSD. Avoid buying this for gaming, streaming, or video editing. The presence of vPro and TXT makes it historically interesting for studying enterprise security, but for daily use, even a low-end Intel Celeron N4000 will offer better efficiency and modern feature support. Only purchase if the price is negligible.
Read the full reviewThe i5-2557M sacrificed significant performance to achieve its 17 W TDP, making it a poor choice even in 2011 for anything beyond basic tasks. Modern low-voltage chips deliver dramatically more performance at similar power levels.
Best for: None, this processor cannot be purchased separately
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3320M or Intel Core i5-2557M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-2557M comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3320M or Intel Core i5-2557M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3320M leads with a gaming performance score of 18/100 among Intel Core i5-3320M and Intel Core i5-2557M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2557M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3320M (35 W), Intel Core i5-2557M (17 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3320M and Intel Core i5-2557M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3320M: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1023, Intel Core i5-2557M: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2557M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3320M (2,700), Intel Core i5-2557M (3,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.