CPU Comparison
Core i7-5557U vs Core i7-5600U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5557U is a higher-performance variant of the Broadwell-U mobile processor family, launched in 2015 to power premium thin-and-light laptops and mini PCs. Manufactured on a 14nm process, it features two cores and four threads, operating at a higher base clock of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 3.4 GHz. This represents a significant frequency uplift compared to other U-series chips, sacrificing some efficiency for raw speed. The processor integrates Intel Iris Graphics 6100, equipped with 48 execution units, offering strong integrated graphics performance for its size. It includes 4 MB of L3 cache and operates within a 28-watt thermal design power, which is higher than the standard 15-watt U-series parts. Though end-of-life, the i7-5557U was highly regarded for providing desktop-like responsiveness and capable graphics in compact form factors, bridging the gap between ultra-low power and performance mobile computing indeed very truly.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks provide snappy performance for everyday tasks.
Good for office tasks, but dual-core limits heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Iris 6100 allows for decent 720p/1080p low gaming in older titles.
HD 5500 is only suitable for very old or 2D games.
Virtualization
Dual-core limits VMs, but clock speed helps.
vPro helps, but dual-core limits running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
28W TDP is less efficient than 15W U-series chips.
Excellent efficiency for 2015 business laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Dual-core limits inference
- No AI hardware
- Dual-core limits inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Better than standard integrated graphics
- Can play older 3D games
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- Not designed for gaming
- HD 5500 is very weak
- Only for basic 2D applications
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Intel vPro for enterprise management
- Excellent battery life for its era
- Good for office productivity
- Low 15W TDP
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Outdated DDR3 memory
- Weak integrated graphics
- Soldered to motherboard
- Struggles with modern multitasking
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-5600U
- AMD A8-7100Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5500URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5300URival
Mobile Business
- Intel Core i7-6600UAlt
Skylake successor with DDR4 and vPro.
Modern quad-core vPro alternative with massive performance gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4500UAlt
Modern 6-core alternative for business laptops.
Modern 10nm alternative with better efficiency and graphics.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Revolutionary efficiency and performance for mobile work.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA solid Broadwell-U chip tailored for enterprise environments with vPro, offering good efficiency and adequate performance for office work.
Best for: Buying a refurbished ThinkPad or Latitude for basic typing.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-5557U or Core i7-5600U?
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 i7-5557U or Core i7-5600U?
For gaming, the Core i7-5557U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-5557U and Core i7-5600U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-5600U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-5557U (28 W), Core i7-5600U (15 W).
Do Core i7-5557U and Core i7-5600U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.