Quick Verdict
A unique 28W Broadwell-U chip that offered high clocks and Iris graphics, making it a favorite for compact mini PCs and premium laptops.
Overview
Launch
2015
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
5th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
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 Core i7-5557U prioritized raw frequency and graphical power over battery life, delivering excellent performance for Intel NUCs and high-end ultrabooks.
Specifications
Performance
High clocks provide snappy performance for everyday tasks.
Dual-core limits VMs, but clock speed helps.
Iris 6100 allows for decent 720p/1080p low gaming in older titles.
28W TDP is less efficient than 15W U-series chips.
- •Better than standard integrated graphics
- •Can play older 3D games
- •Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- •No AI hardware
- •Dual-core limits inference
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Broadwell-U
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-5557U utilizes the Broadwell-U microarchitecture, fabricated on Intel's 14nm technology. Architecturally, it distinguishes itself through a 28-watt TDP, allowing for significantly higher base and boost frequencies compared to its 15-watt siblings. The dual-core processor supports Hyper-Threading and includes 4 MB of L3 cache. Its graphics subsystem is upgraded to Intel Iris Graphics 6100, featuring 48 execution units and a maximum dynamic frequency of 1.1 GHz. This configuration demands a larger 133 mm² die packed with 1.9 billion transistors. The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 at 1866 MT/s, ensuring adequate bandwidth for the robust integrated GPU. The chip utilizes the FCBGA1168 socket. This architecture was designed to offer a premium computing experience in slightly thicker ultrabooks or NUCs, prioritizing sustained performance and graphics capability over the extreme battery life preservation found in lower-tier 15-watt configurations significantly here always now 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
- Iris 6100 over Iris 5100
- Higher boost clocks
Key Highlights
- High base clock of 3.1 GHz
- Iris 6100 graphics are capable
- Good for mini PCs
- Configurable TDP
- 28W TDP is hot for a dual-core
- Only 2 cores
- DDR3 memory only
- Poor battery life in laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
History
Launched on March 1, 2015, the Core i7-5557U was designed for high-end ultrabooks and Intel's Next Unit of Computing (NUC) mini PCs. It arrived during the Broadwell generation, which was characterized by its focus on refining the 14nm process and pushing the boundaries of mobile integrated graphics. </br> The 5557U was particularly notable for its 28-watt TDP, a departure from the standard 15-watt envelope, allowing it to achieve higher sustained clock speeds.
It was a favorite among enthusiasts building compact home theater PCs and small form factor workstations. While the Broadwell generation was ultimately a stopgap due to manufacturing delays, the 5557U successfully demonstrated the potential of combining high clock speeds with strong Iris graphics in a mobile package. It paved the way for future H-series and U-series chips that continued to blur the lines between mobile and desktop performance greatly firmly now indeed always.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 14nm process
- Iris 6100 over Iris 5100
- Higher boost clocks
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a used Intel NUC for a home theater PC or light retro gaming.
Avoid if…
- Need modern battery life
- Require DDR4 memory
- Want to play modern games
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It features a 28W TDP, higher than standard U-series chips.
The base clock is an impressive 3.1 GHz.
It integrates Intel Iris Graphics 6100 with 48 EUs.
It was heavily used in Intel NUC mini PCs.
The die size is 133 mm².
It contains 1.9 billion transistors.
It supports a configurable TDP down to 23W.
The max graphics frequency is 1.1 GHz.
It uses the FCBGA1168 socket.
It is part of the Broadwell-U family.
People Also Ask
What is the TDP of the i7-5557U?
It has a 28W TDP, which is higher than the 15W standard for U-series chips.
What graphics are in the i7-5557U?
It features Intel Iris Graphics 6100.
Is the i7-5557U good for gaming?
It can handle older games or light 3D titles thanks to Iris 6100, but is not suitable for modern gaming.
Does the i7-5557U support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory up to 1866 MT/s.
What is the base clock of the i7-5557U?
It has a high base clock of 3.1 GHz.
What socket does it use?
It uses the FCBGA1168 socket.
Is the i7-5557U unlocked?
No, it is multiplier locked.
How many cores does it have?
It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 3.4 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 laptops?
It was used in premium ultrabooks, but its 28W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
What is the configurable TDP down?
It can configure down to 23W.