CPU Comparison
Core i7-5557U vs Intel Core i5-5287U
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.
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
Iris 6100 allows for decent 720p/1080p low gaming in older titles.
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 limits VMs, but clock speed helps.
Still limited by dual-core design despite the higher clocks.
Efficiency
28W TDP is less efficient than 15W U-series chips.
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 hardware
- Dual-core limits inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Not designed for AI workloads
- Completely unsuitable for modern AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Better than standard integrated graphics
- Can play older 3D games
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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 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 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, Core i7-5557U or Intel Core i5-5287U?
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 Intel Core i5-5287U?
For gaming, the Core i7-5557U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-5557U and Intel Core i5-5287U.
Do Core i7-5557U 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 i5-5287U (3,120). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.