Quick Verdict
A unique Broadwell-U chip that prioritized integrated graphics performance, making it suitable for light creative work in thin laptops.
Overview
Launch
2015
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
5th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-5550U is a specialized low-power mobile processor released in 2015, positioned for premium ultrabooks requiring enhanced graphical capabilities in a thin form factor. Part of the 14nm Broadwell-U architecture, it features two cores and four threads. Unlike standard U-series chips, the 5550U integrates Intel HD Graphics 6000, boasting 48 execution units for significantly better rendering performance. It operates at a base clock of 2.0 GHz and boosts up to 3.0 GHz, utilizing a 15-watt configurable TDP. The processor is built on a larger 133 mm² die housing 1.9 billion transistors to accommodate the beefier graphics array. While end-of-life, the i7-5550U represented an interesting tier in Intel's lineup, offering a middle ground between basic integrated graphics and high-end Iris Pro solutions. It was tailored for professionals needing efficient media processing and light 3D rendering on the go truly impressive indeed.
The Core i7-5550U offered a step up in graphical capability over standard U-series chips, providing better media and light 3D performance in a 15W envelope.
Specifications
Performance
Adequate for basic tasks but dual-core limits heavy workloads.
Not recommended for VMs.
Better than HD 5500, but still only suitable for old or light games.
Good efficiency, though the larger GPU increases idle power slightly.
- •Can handle older games at 720p
- •HD 6000 is a step up but still weak
- •Not for modern AAA gaming
- •No AI acceleration hardware
- •Limited by dual-core CPU
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Broadwell-U
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-5550U employs the Broadwell-U microarchitecture on a 14nm process node. Its distinguishing architectural feature is the integration of Intel HD Graphics 6000, which significantly increases the execution unit count compared to the HD 5500 found in similar models. This necessitates a larger 133 mm² die with 1.9 billion transistors. The CPU maintains a dual-core, quad-thread configuration optimized for low-power environments. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1866 MT/s, providing the extra bandwidth needed by the upgraded integrated graphics. The configurable TDP can scale down to 9.5 watts, enabling deployment in fanless tablet and ultra-thin laptop designs. The architecture supports modern instruction sets like AVX2, though thermal constraints limit sustained multi-threaded performance. By prioritizing graphics execution units within a 15-watt envelope, Intel created a balanced architecture for media consumption and light content creation without the need for discrete GPUs greatly now here always firmly.
CPU Design
2 cores, 4 threads with 4MB L3 cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1866 controller.
PCIe & I/O
12 PCIe 2.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 14nm process
- More graphics execution units
- Better efficiency
Key Highlights
- Better integrated graphics than standard U-series
- Low 15W TDP
- Supports faster 1866 MT/s DDR3
- Good for media playback
- Only 2 cores
- Outdated DDR3 memory
- Weak for modern multitasking
- Soldered to motherboard
- Short market lifespan
History
Introduced on March 1, 2015, the Core i7-5550U targeted the premium ultrabook segment, finding its way into devices like Apple's MacBook Air. It was part of Intel's strategy to segment the Broadwell-U lineup, offering varying levels of integrated graphics performance. </br> The 5550U was somewhat of a niche product, sitting just below the Iris-equipped models but above standard HD Graphics configurations.
Its release was hampered by the overarching 14nm manufacturing delays that plagued the entire Broadwell family, resulting in a short lifecycle before Skylake replaced it. Despite this, it provided a reliable experience for users who needed better-than-average graphics performance for photo editing and 1080p video rendering in highly portable chassis. The chip stands as a testament to Intel's early efforts to scale up integrated graphics performance within the stringent power limits of the ultrabook category, a trend that continues today firmly now indeed always.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 14nm process
- More graphics execution units
- Better efficiency
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a used premium ultrabook for basic media consumption.
Avoid if…
- Need modern performance
- Require DDR4 memory
- Want to play modern games
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It features Intel HD Graphics 6000 with 48 execution units.
The die size is 133 mm², larger than the 5500U.
It contains 1.9 billion transistors.
It supports a configurable TDP down to 9.5W.
The base clock is 2.0 GHz.
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1866 MT/s.
It was often used in Apple's MacBook Air.
It uses the FCBGA1168 socket.
It supports AVX2 instructions.
It is a 5th generation Broadwell processor.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between i7-5500U and i7-5550U?
The i7-5550U features Intel HD Graphics 6000 (48 EUs) and a 2.0 GHz base clock, while the i7-5500U has HD Graphics 5500 (24 EUs) and a 2.4 GHz base clock.
Does the i7-5550U support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory up to 1866 MT/s.
What graphics are in the i7-5550U?
It features Intel HD Graphics 6000.
How many cores does the i7-5550U have?
It has 2 physical cores and 4 threads.
What is the TDP of the i7-5550U?
It has a 15W TDP, configurable down to 9.5W.
Is the i7-5550U good for gaming?
It is better than standard integrated graphics of its time, but still not suitable for modern gaming.
What socket does it use?
It uses the FCBGA1168 socket.
Is the i7-5550U unlocked?
No, it is multiplier locked.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 3.0 GHz.
Does it support Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 4 MB of L3 cache.
What PCIe version does it support?
It supports PCIe 2.0 with 12 lanes.
What was the launch price?
The launch price was $426.
Does it support AVX2?
Yes, it supports AVX2 instructions.
What generation is it?
It is a 5th generation Broadwell processor.
Can you overclock it?
No, it is locked.
What is the max memory support?
It supports up to 16GB of DDR3 memory.
Is it good for video editing?
Only for very basic 1080p editing, it is too weak for modern workloads.
What is the base clock?
The base clock is 2.0 GHz.