CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-5300U vs Intel Core i5-5287U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-5300U is a dual-core Broadwell-U mobile processor with Intel HD 5500 graphics, offering slightly higher clocks than the i5-5200U for mainstream ultrabooks requiring balanced 15W performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly better than the i5-5200U due to higher clocks but the improvement is barely noticeable in everyday use.
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 5500 graphics are identical to the i5-5200U and insufficient for any modern gaming.
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 not suitable for virtualization workloads.
Still limited by dual-core design despite the higher clocks.
Efficiency
Reasonable efficiency for 2015, though modern processors deliver far more performance per watt.
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 AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core design cannot handle AI workloads
- Not applicable for this processor class or era
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Not designed for AI workloads
- Completely unsuitable for modern AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 5500 identical to i5-5200U
- Only the lightest casual games are playable at 720p low
- No eDRAM means limited GPU memory bandwidth
- Not suitable for any modern gaming
- 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
- Slightly higher clocks than i5-5200U
- Same 15W TDP with 7.5W cTDP option
- Cost-effective smaller die
- Good for basic computing tasks
- Adequate HD video playback
Cons
- Barely faster than i5-5200U in real-world use
- Only 2 physical cores with dual-core limitation
- HD 5500 without eDRAM is weak for GPU tasks
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Not compatible with Windows 11
- Same price as much better Iris-equipped variants
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 i5-5300U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile Budget
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5200URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- Intel Core i3-5010URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- AMD A8-7410Rival
Mobile Budget
- Intel Core i5-6300UAlt
Skylake successor with DDR4, improved architecture, and similar power profile.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Four cores at 15W for dramatically better multi-threaded performance.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Budget dual-core with Vega graphics and DDR4 support.
Modern dual-core with Iris Xe graphics and 10nm process.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Six cores with Vega 7 graphics in a 15W envelope, vastly outperforming this chip.
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
The i5-5300U offers a small clock speed bump over the i5-5200U but remains in the same dual-core performance class, making it equally outdated for modern computing needs.
Best for: Buying a used business laptop for under $80 for basic web browsing and email
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 i5-5300U 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 i5-5300U or Intel Core i5-5287U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-5287U leads with a gaming performance score of 24/100 among Intel Core i5-5300U and Intel Core i5-5287U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-5300U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-5300U (15 W), Intel Core i5-5287U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-5300U 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 i5-5300U (2,700), Intel Core i5-5287U (3,120). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.