CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-5775C vs Intel Core i7-2700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5775C is a rare and highly sought-after socketed desktop processor based on the 14nm Broadwell architecture. Unlike its BGA counterpart, the 5775R, this chip utilizes the LGA 1150 socket, offering a unique upgrade path for users on older Z97 motherboards. It features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base clock of 3.3 GHz with a turbo boost of 3.7 GHz. The defining feature is the inclusion of Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 with 128 MB of embedded L4 cache (eDRAM). This eDRAM not only supercharges the integrated graphics but also acts as a low-latency memory buffer for the CPU cores, giving it an edge in certain CPU-bound gaming scenarios when paired with a discrete GPU. With a 65-watt TDP and an unlocked multiplier, it is a versatile chip. It represents a unique moment in Intel's history where high-end integrated graphics and eDRAM were brought to the standard DIY desktop market.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
4 cores handle office tasks effortlessly, but lack modern IPC.
Adequate for basic office tasks and web browsing, but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
The eDRAM provides incredibly smooth frame times in older games.
Struggles with modern AAA titles but handles older or esports games fine.
Virtualization
Capable of light VMs, but limited by 65W TDP.
Can handle light VMs with 8 threads, but lacks modern virtualization features.
Efficiency
14nm process makes it incredibly power-efficient.
32nm process is highly inefficient by modern standards, drawing significant power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM helps slightly with CPU inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Extremely slow for any AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- eDRAM reduces stutter in CPU-bound games
- Iris Pro 6200 good for older games
- Can be paired with a discrete GPU for better performance
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for 1080p gaming with older GPUs
- Lacks AVX2 support for newest games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 128 MB L4 eDRAM
- Iris Pro 6200 graphics
- Drop-in upgrade for LGA 1150
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Supports DDR3 only
- Expensive on the secondary market
- Older 14nm process
Pros
- Legendary overclocking headroom
- Solid IPC improvements over previous gen
- Included integrated graphics (HD 3000)
- Durable and long-lasting architecture
- Large 8MB L3 cache
Cons
- High power consumption by modern standards
- Lacks AVX2 instructions
- End-of-life platform (LGA 1155)
- No native NVMe boot support
- Integrated graphics are severely outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-5775C
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5675CRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Modern APU with vastly superior integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with much better CPU performance.
Intel Core i7-2700K
- AMD FX-8150Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600KRival
Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X6 1100TRival
Desktop
Ivy Bridge successor with PCIe 3.0.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Alt
Modern budget alternative with more cores.
Haswell upgrade path with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Modern integrated graphics alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A fantastic drop-in upgrade for LGA 1150 systems. The eDRAM gives it surprising legs in older games, though its CPU performance is outclassed by modern hardware.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1150 system for smooth retro gaming.
Read the full reviewA legendary CPU that still holds up for basic tasks, offering incredible historical value and overclocking fun.
Best for: The Core i7-2700K is no longer recommended for new PC builds due to its age and lack of modern feature support, such as native NVMe storage booting and modern PCIe standards. However, for users already operating on an LGA 1155 motherboard looking to squeeze more life out of an older system, finding a used 2700K can be a highly cost-effective upgrade path. It still handles basic computing, media consumption, and older game titles reasonably well. If you are building a system from scratch, modern alternatives offer vastly superior power efficiency, single-core speed, and platform features. Collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts might specifically value the chip for its historical significance, but mainstream buyers should look toward newer generations for a balanced, future-proof computing experience.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-5775C or Intel Core i7-2700K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-5775C leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-5775C and Intel Core i7-2700K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-5775C has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-5775C (65 W), Intel Core i7-2700K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i7-5775C and Intel Core i7-2700K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-5775C: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i7-2700K: LGA 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-5775C posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-5775C (7,000), Intel Core i7-2700K (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.