CPU Comparison
Core i7-5550U vs Intel Core i5-5350U
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.
Handles basic document editing and web apps smoothly, but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Better than HD 5500, but still only suitable for old or light games.
Only capable of running very old or extremely lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Not recommended for VMs.
Not recommended due to low core count and limited memory bandwidth.
Efficiency
Good efficiency, though the larger GPU increases idle power slightly.
Still highly efficient for basic tasks, offering excellent battery life in older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Limited by dual-core CPU
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Far too slow for local inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can handle older games at 720p
- HD 6000 is a step up but still weak
- Not for modern AAA gaming
- Integrated HD 6000 lacks power for modern 3D titles
- Suitable for retro emulation and 2D indie games
- Shares system RAM, limiting frame rates
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- Outdated DDR3 memory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
- Excellent power efficiency for its era
- Good for basic daily computing
- Integrated HD 6000 handles 4K video well
- Low heat output
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Weak integrated graphics for 3D work
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
Intel Core i5-5350U
- Intel Core i7-5650URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5200URival
Mobile
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5500URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-7410Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Offers 4 cores and much better modern performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
Superior Vega graphics and quad-core design.
- Intel Core i3-7100UAlt
Newer architecture with similar basic performance.
- Intel Core i5-6200UAlt
The direct Skylake successor with DDR4 support.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Better budget mobile performance.
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 historically significant processor for battery life, but its dual-core architecture is too weak for modern demanding workloads.
Best for: Today, the Core i5-5350U is strictly an end-of-life component and should not be considered for new builds. If you are purchasing a used laptop featuring this processor, it should only be for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and media consumption. It can be found at very low prices on the secondary market, making it a viable option for students or budget-conscious users needing a simple machine. However, its dual-core architecture struggles significantly with modern multitasking and heavy workloads. Ensure the device is priced appropriately for its age, as it lacks support for modern standards like DDR4 memory and PCIe 3.0. Avoid this chip if you intend to do any gaming, video editing, or intensive productivity work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-5550U or Intel Core i5-5350U?
For gaming, the Core i7-5550U leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Core i7-5550U and Intel Core i5-5350U.
Do Core i7-5550U and Intel Core i5-5350U 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 i5-5350U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-5350U (2,950). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.