CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-5257U vs Intel Core i5-5350U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-5257U is a 28W dual-core Broadwell-U processor featuring Intel Iris 6100 graphics, targeting premium ultrabooks and MacBook Pro 13-inch models that demanded superior integrated GPU performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Higher base clock and 28W TDP deliver better sustained performance than 15W variants, but dual-core design still limits multi-threaded workloads.
Handles basic document editing and web apps smoothly, but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Iris 6100 was the best integrated GPU in the Broadwell-U lineup, handling older games at 720p-1080p low settings reasonably well for 2015.
Only capable of running very old or extremely lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Slightly better than 15W variants but still fundamentally limited by dual-core design.
Not recommended due to low core count and limited memory bandwidth.
Efficiency
The 28W TDP reduces efficiency compared to 15W variants, requiring active cooling and reducing battery life in thin laptops.
Still highly efficient for basic tasks, offering excellent battery life in older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- GPU compute insufficient for modern AI workloads
- Not applicable for this processor generation
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Far too slow for local inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris 6100 with 48 EUs was the best Broadwell-U GPU option
- Titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends run at 1080p medium at 30-60 FPS
- eDRAM cache significantly helps GPU performance
- Modern games remain unplayable even at lowest settings
- 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
- Best integrated GPU in Broadwell-U i5 lineup with Iris 6100
- 128MB eDRAM benefits both CPU and GPU workloads
- 2.7 GHz base clock is strong for a 2015 dual-core
- Good for Retina display driving and 4K output
- Configurable TDP for OEM flexibility
Cons
- 28W TDP limits use to larger ultrabook designs
- Only 2 physical cores with dual-core limitation
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Active cooling required in all implementations
- End-of-life with no security updates
- Not Windows 11 compatible
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
Intel Core i5-5257U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-5557URival
Mobile Premium Ultrabook
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5250URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- AMD A12-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-6267UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris 550 and DDR4 support in the same 28W envelope.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Four cores with Iris Plus 655 for much better multi-threaded and GPU performance.
- Alt
If buying a used MacBook, the M1 MacBook Air offers dramatically better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 4600UAlt
Six cores with Vega graphics in a 15W envelope, far outperforming this chip in every metric.
Iris Xe graphics and four cores on 10nm for a modern thin-and-light experience.
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
The Iris 6100 graphics made this the most capable dual-core Broadwell-U for GPU workloads, but the 28W TDP limited it to larger ultrabook designs and it remains outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Pro 13-inch 2015 for under $150 for basic use with a Retina display
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, Intel Core i5-5257U or Intel Core i5-5350U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-5257U leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-5257U and Intel Core i5-5350U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-5350U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-5257U (28 W), Intel Core i5-5350U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-5257U 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.