CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-5250U vs Intel Core i5-5287U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-5250U is a dual-core Broadwell-U mobile processor with Intel HD 6000 graphics and DDR3-1866 support, targeting premium ultrabooks that needed better GPU performance than the standard HD 5500 variant.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The lower base clock of 1.6 GHz can cause sluggishness during burst workloads despite the same turbo frequency.
The 2.9 GHz base clock provides the best sustained single-threaded performance in the Broadwell-U i5 range, though dual-core limits multi-tasking capability.
Gaming
HD 6000 offers a modest improvement over HD 5500, enabling some older games at 720p low settings.
The highest-clocked Iris 6100 in the Broadwell-U lineup provides marginally better gaming than the i5-5257U, but remains limited by dual-core and shared memory architecture.
Virtualization
Dual-core design is fundamentally unsuitable for virtualization workloads.
Still limited by dual-core design despite the higher clocks.
Efficiency
14nm process delivers reasonable efficiency, though the larger die consumes more power than the smaller HD 5500 variant.
The 28W TDP is a significant power draw for a dual-core processor, resulting in reduced battery life compared to 15W alternatives.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
- Not applicable for this processor class
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Not designed for AI workloads
- Completely unsuitable for modern AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 6000 is an improvement over HD 5500 but still limited
- Older titles like Team Fortress 2 and League of Legends can run at 720p medium
- Shared memory bandwidth limits GPU performance
- Not viable for any modern AAA title
- Iris 6100 at 1100 MHz is the fastest Broadwell-U i5 GPU configuration
- Older esports titles playable at 1080p medium settings
- eDRAM provides a noticeable boost over non-eDRAM variants
- Modern AAA games remain unplayable
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- HD 6000 graphics significantly better than HD 5500
- DDR3-1866 provides more memory bandwidth
- 15W TDP maintains ultrabook compatibility
- Good for HD video playback and media consumption
- Configurable TDP for OEM design flexibility
Cons
- Lower base clock than i5-5200U (1.6 vs 2.2 GHz)
- Only 2 physical cores with dual-core limitation
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- PCIe Gen 2 lanes are outdated
- End-of-life with no support or updates
- Not compatible with Windows 11
Pros
- Highest CPU clocks in the Broadwell-U i5 lineup
- Iris 6100 with eDRAM for best-in-class integrated GPU
- 3.3 GHz turbo for strong single-threaded performance
- Good build-to-order upgrade for 2015 MacBook Pro
- 128MB eDRAM benefits CPU and GPU alike
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores fundamentally limit performance
- 28W TDP requires active cooling and reduces battery life
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Same $315 price as lower-clocked i5-5257U offered questionable value
- Not compatible with Windows 11
- End-of-life with no support
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-5250U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5200URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- Intel Core i7-5550URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- AMD A8-7410Rival
Mobile Budget
- Intel Core i5-6260UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris 540 graphics and DDR4 support.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Four cores with significantly better multi-threaded performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Four cores with Vega 8 graphics for much better overall performance.
- Alt
If considering a used MacBook, the M1 MacBook Air offers dramatically better performance.
Compare head-to-head Modern dual-core with much better single-thread and GPU performance at similar price points.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-5287U
- Intel Core i7-5557URival
Mobile Premium Ultrabook
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5257URival
Mobile Premium Ultrabook
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-5650URival
Mobile Premium Ultrabook
- Intel Core i5-6287UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris 550, DDR4, and improved architecture.
- Alt
The M1 MacBook Air dramatically outperforms this chip in every metric while being fanless.
Compare head-to-head Four cores with Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz in a 15W envelope.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Six cores, twelve threads with Vega 7 graphics in a modern, efficient design.
12th-gen hybrid architecture with 12 cores in a 28W envelope offering dramatically more performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A step up from the i5-5200U thanks to HD 6000 graphics and faster DDR3-1866 memory, but the dual-core design remains a fundamental limitation by modern standards.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Air or ultrabook for under $80 for basic tasks
Read the full reviewThe top Broadwell-U i5 offers the best single-threaded and GPU performance in its class, but dual-core limits and 28W power draw mean even budget modern chips outperform it comprehensively.
Best for: Purchasing a used MacBook Pro 2015 with this upgrade for under $200 for basic creative work
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-5250U or Intel Core i5-5287U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-5287U comes out ahead with a score of 6.7/10. 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 i5-5250U or Intel Core i5-5287U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-5287U leads with a gaming performance score of 24/100 among Intel Core i5-5250U and Intel Core i5-5287U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-5250U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-5250U (15 W), Intel Core i5-5287U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-5250U and Intel Core i5-5287U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-5287U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-5250U (2,620), Intel Core i5-5287U (3,120). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.