CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4200Y vs Intel Core i5-2557M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4200Y is an ultra-low voltage dual-core processor introduced in mid-2013 as part of the 4th generation Core family. Designed specifically for the thinnest and lightest mobile devices, including tablets and 2-in-1 hybrids, it operates within a strict 12-watt thermal envelope. Despite its low power consumption, it features Hyper-Threading, allowing its two physical cores to process four threads simultaneously, which aids in basic multitasking. Running at a base frequency of 1.4 GHz with the ability to boost up to 1.9 GHz, it balances performance with extreme power efficiency. It also integrates Intel HD Graphics 4200, providing adequate visuals for media consumption and casual workloads. The chip was a cornerstone for the Windows tablet era, enabling fanless designs and all-day battery life while delivering sufficient computational power for everyday computing tasks like web browsing and document editing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Struggles with modern multitasking.
Noticeably slower than standard-voltage Sandy Bridge in sustained workloads due to thermal throttling in thin chassis.
Gaming
Incapable of running modern titles.
Even weaker than the 35 W variant due to lower sustained clocks. Not viable for any modern game.
Virtualization
Not recommended for virtual machines.
Technically supports VT-x but too slow for practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its era.
17 W TDP was efficient for 2011 but modern chips deliver 10x the performance at similar power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only handles old or very light 2D games.
- 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
- Extremely low 12W TDP
- Enabled fanless designs
- Good battery life
- Hardware video acceleration
Cons
- Very low clock speeds
- BGA soldered, no upgrades
- Obsolete for modern tasks
- Limited to 16GB DDR3
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 i5-4200Y
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010YRival
Mobile
- Intel Atom Z3770Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4300YAlt
Slightly faster Y-series chip.
Better performance if you can handle 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core m3-6Y30Alt
Much newer and more efficient.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Vastly superior modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern dual-core with much better IPC.
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 pioneering chip for Windows tablets, but severely underpowered for modern workloads.
Best for: Retro computing or free hand-me-down device
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 i5-4200Y 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 i5-4200Y or Intel Core i5-2557M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4200Y leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i5-2557M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4200Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4200Y (12 W), Intel Core i5-2557M (17 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4200Y and Intel Core i5-2557M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4200Y: Intel BGA 1168, 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 i5-4200Y (2,200), Intel Core i5-2557M (3,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.