CPU Comparison
Core i5-2450M vs Intel Core i5-2557M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2450M is a dual-core mobile processor from the Sandy Bridge generation, featuring Hyper-Threading and integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics, designed for mainstream laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Struggles with modern web applications and heavy office suites.
Noticeably slower than standard-voltage Sandy Bridge in sustained workloads due to thermal throttling in thin chassis.
Gaming
Unable to play modern AAA games at acceptable frame rates.
Even weaker than the 35 W variant due to lower sustained clocks. Not viable for any modern game.
Virtualization
Technically supports VT-x but too slow for practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
32nm process is highly inefficient by today's standards.
17 W TDP was efficient for 2011 but modern chips deliver 10x the performance at similar power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Insufficient compute for local AI
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Outdated architecture
- Weak integrated graphics
- Insufficient for modern titles
- Lower sustained clocks than 35 W variants
- Intel HD 3000 graphics only
- No modern API support
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Hyper-Threading support
- Integrated graphics
- Low cost on used market
Cons
- Obsolete architecture
- High power consumption for performance
- No modern instruction sets
- Very slow by current standards
Pros
- 17 W TDP enabled truly portable laptop designs
- Turbo boost to 2.7 GHz helps burst workloads
- AES-NI and VT-x support despite low power
- Same feature set as standard-voltage Sandy Bridge
Cons
- 1.7 GHz base clock was slow even in 2011
- Sustained performance suffers in thin chassis with limited cooling
- BGA package cannot be upgraded
- Intel HD 3000 graphics are completely outdated
- Massive performance gap versus modern low-voltage processors
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-2450M
- AMD A8-3520MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-3420MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-2410MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-2330MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-3500MRival
Mobile
Ivy Bridge upgrade with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-3110MAlt
Cheaper dual-core option.
- AMD A10-4600MAlt
Better integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-2620MAlt
Higher clock speed and cache.
- AMD A8-3550MXAlt
Stronger multi-threaded performance.
Intel Core i5-2557M
- AMD A4-3305MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- AMD E-450Rival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile Standard Voltage
- Intel Core i3-2367MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- Intel Core i7-2637MRival
Mobile Low-Voltage
- Intel Core i5-3317UAlt
Ivy Bridge 17 W successor with HD 4000 graphics and better efficiency.
Haswell ULV with significantly better performance at 15 W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern low-voltage option with 6 cores and 15 W configurable TDP.
Current-generation low-power chip with 12 cores and excellent efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An obsolete mobile processor that can still handle extremely basic tasks, but is completely outclassed by modern low-end chips.
Best for: Keeping an old laptop running
Read the full reviewThe i5-2557M sacrificed significant performance to achieve its 17 W TDP, making it a poor choice even in 2011 for anything beyond basic tasks. Modern low-voltage chips deliver dramatically more performance at similar power levels.
Best for: None, this processor cannot be purchased separately
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-2450M or Intel Core i5-2557M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-2557M comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. 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 i5-2450M or Intel Core i5-2557M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-2557M leads with a gaming performance score of 12/100 among Core i5-2450M and Intel Core i5-2557M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2557M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-2450M (35 W), Intel Core i5-2557M (17 W).
Do Core i5-2450M and Intel Core i5-2557M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2557M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-2450M (0), Intel Core i5-2557M (3,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.