CPU Comparison
Core i7-5550U vs Core i7-5557U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5550U is a specialized low-power mobile processor released in 2015, positioned for premium ultrabooks requiring enhanced graphical capabilities in a thin form factor. Part of the 14nm Broadwell-U architecture, it features two cores and four threads. Unlike standard U-series chips, the 5550U integrates Intel HD Graphics 6000, boasting 48 execution units for significantly better rendering performance. It operates at a base clock of 2.0 GHz and boosts up to 3.0 GHz, utilizing a 15-watt configurable TDP. The processor is built on a larger 133 mm² die housing 1.9 billion transistors to accommodate the beefier graphics array. While end-of-life, the i7-5550U represented an interesting tier in Intel's lineup, offering a middle ground between basic integrated graphics and high-end Iris Pro solutions. It was tailored for professionals needing efficient media processing and light 3D rendering on the go truly impressive indeed.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic tasks but dual-core limits heavy workloads.
High clocks provide snappy performance for everyday tasks.
Gaming
Better than HD 5500, but still only suitable for old or light games.
Iris 6100 allows for decent 720p/1080p low gaming in older titles.
Virtualization
Not recommended for VMs.
Dual-core limits VMs, but clock speed helps.
Efficiency
Good efficiency, though the larger GPU increases idle power slightly.
28W TDP is less efficient than 15W U-series chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Limited by dual-core CPU
- No AI hardware
- Dual-core limits inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can handle older games at 720p
- HD 6000 is a step up but still weak
- Not for modern AAA gaming
- Better than standard integrated graphics
- Can play older 3D games
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Better integrated graphics than standard U-series
- Low 15W TDP
- Supports faster 1866 MT/s DDR3
- Good for media playback
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Outdated DDR3 memory
- Weak for modern multitasking
- Soldered to motherboard
- Short market lifespan
Pros
- High base clock of 3.1 GHz
- Iris 6100 graphics are capable
- Good for mini PCs
- Configurable TDP
Cons
- 28W TDP is hot for a dual-core
- Only 2 cores
- DDR3 memory only
- Poor battery life in laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-5550U
- AMD A10-7300Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5500URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5250URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Intel Core i7-6560UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris graphics and DDR4.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core alternative with Vega graphics.
- Alt
Massive leap in efficiency and graphics performance.
Compare head-to-head Modern 10nm alternative with Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-headCoffee Lake-U with Iris Plus and much higher performance.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-5557U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5550URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5287URival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-6567UAlt
Skylake successor with better efficiency and Iris graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Modern 4-core mini PC alternative with Vega graphics.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Coffee Lake NUC alternative with Iris Plus and 4 cores.
- Alt
Massive efficiency and performance leap for mini PCs.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core alternative with better graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A unique Broadwell-U chip that prioritized integrated graphics performance, making it suitable for light creative work in thin laptops.
Best for: Buying a used premium ultrabook for basic media consumption.
Read the full reviewA unique 28W Broadwell-U chip that offered high clocks and Iris graphics, making it a favorite for compact mini PCs and premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a used Intel NUC for a home theater PC or light retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-5550U or Core i7-5557U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-5557U comes out ahead with a score of 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, Core i7-5550U or Core i7-5557U?
For gaming, the Core i7-5557U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-5550U and Core i7-5557U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-5550U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-5550U (15 W), Core i7-5557U (28 W).
Do Core i7-5550U and Core i7-5557U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.