Intel Core i5-5675C

Intel Core i5-5675C is a desktop processor built on Intel's 14 nm Broadwell architecture, released on May 14, 2015, with a launch MSRP of $276. It features 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. The processor sits at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 1742, placing it in the mid-range tier of desktop parts. Its 65 W TDP class positions it as an efficient, low-heat option, though its benchmark scores reveal a processor that is competitive with older and lower-power rivals rather than leading its segment.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance defines the i5-5675C's character. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 682 in single-core and 4835 in multi-core, yielding a ratio of roughly 7.1:1. This is typical for a 4-core/4-thread part, the multi-core score scales almost linearly with core count, with no hyper-threading overhead to complicate scaling. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score is 286 and multi-core is 2030, a ratio of about 7.1:1 as well, confirming consistent behavior across test versions.

The single-core scores of 68 in Cinebench R15 and 1388 in Geekbench single-core indicate that Broadwell's per-thread performance is modest by modern standards. The 3.60 GHz boost clock helps, but the architecture's IPC, while a step forward from prior Intel generations, does not match what newer designs deliver. For real workloads, this means the i5-5675C handles lightly-threaded tasks like basic office productivity, web browsing, and older games adequately, but it will feel strained in modern single-thread-sensitive applications.

Multi-thread behavior is more favorable. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 4835 and R20 score of 2030 show that all four cores can sustain load well, and the 65 W TDP allows consistent all-core boost without thermal throttling in a properly ventilated case. For workloads that use all cores, video encoding, 3D rendering, batch file conversion, the i5-5675C delivers performance roughly in line with its desktop i5 lineage. However, the 4 MB shared L3 cache is small by current standards, and benchmark results indicate that memory-bandwidth-heavy tasks will be limited by the dual-channel DDR3 interface at 25.6 GB/s.

Power and Thermals

The 65 W TDP classifies the i5-5675C as a mainstream-power part, requiring only a capable air cooler, the stock cooler included with many retail boxes is sufficient for stock operation. The 14 nm process node helps keep heat density manageable, and the die size of 182 mm² is moderate for this class. Since the multiplier is unlocked, overclocking is possible, but doing so will raise power draw beyond the 65 W TDP; benchmark data does not include overclocked results, so all scores here reflect stock operation.

Thermal behavior is favorable for compact builds. The 65 W TDP means the processor does not demand high-end cooling, and in a small-form-factor system a low-profile cooler will suffice as long as airflow is not choked. The integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200 shares the thermal envelope; running the iGPU for extended periods will increase total package heat, but the 65 W TDP budget is generous enough for light GPU loads. For sustained all-core workloads, the data suggests the processor can maintain boost clocks without severe degradation, as the multi-core scores in Cinebench R20 and R23 are consistent with a 4-core part hitting its rated boost.

This power profile makes the i5-5675C a better fit for silence-oriented or thermally constrained systems rather than high-performance builds. It will not require the beefy dual-tower coolers or liquid cooling setups that high-TDP processors demand, but it also will not offer headroom for aggressive overclocking, the base 3.10 GHz to boost 3.60 GHz spread is modest, and the unlocked multiplier only helps if the cooling solution can handle the extra heat.

Who Should Consider It

Gaming workloads are a mixed bag. The 4-core/4-thread configuration is sufficient for older titles and esports games that rely on single-thread speed, but modern AAA games increasingly use more than four threads. The Geekbench single-core score of 1388 and Cinebench R23 single-core of 682 indicate that the i5-5675C will bottleneck high-end graphics cards in CPU-intensive scenarios. Pair it with a mid-range GPU for 1080p gaming at moderate settings, and it will hold up, but frame pacing in newer titles may suffer due to thread count limits.

Content creation is where the i5-5675C shows its limits. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 4835 is roughly 30% behind what a modern 6-core part would deliver, and the 4 MB L3 cache and DDR3 memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s will impair large project files. For light photo editing, audio production, or occasional video transcoding, it is workable, the multi-core scores confirm it can handle those tasks without being frustratingly slow. For serious 3D rendering or 4K video editing, the data suggests looking elsewhere, as the processor's percentile rank of 43 indicates most other CPUs in the database outperform it.

Office and general productivity use is the sweet spot. The single-core performance is adequate for spreadsheet, word processing, and web applications, and the 65 W TDP means low electricity draw and quiet operation. For a home server, NAS, or basic desktop that occasionally does some encoding, the i5-5675C is a reasonable choice. The Iris Pro Graphics 6200 provides competent integrated graphics for 2D workloads and light video playback, though no benchmark scores for the iGPU are present in the data.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 5 3580U: The i5-5675C trails by 0.2% in average benchmark score (1742 vs 1745). The Ryzen 5 3580U is a mobile APU, so the comparison favors the i5-5675C in desktop scenarios despite the near-identical scores. The i5-5675C does not have the Ryzen's integrated Vega graphics advantage, but in pure CPU work the two are essentially tied.

Intel Core i5-8269U: The i5-5675C is 0.3% behind this mobile part (1742 vs 1748). The i5-8269U is a higher-clocked mobile chip, but the i5-5675C's desktop socket allows better cooling and sustained performance; benchmark averages do not account for thermal throttling in laptops. For desk-bound workloads, the i5-5675C's consistent multi-core scores may be more reliable.

Intel Core i7-4790T: A 0.4% deficit (1742 vs 1748) puts the i5-5675C nearly level with this older low-power i7. The i7-4790T has hyper-threading and a similar TDP, but the i5-5675C's newer architecture and higher boost clock offset that advantage. In single-thread tasks, the i5-5675C's Cinebench R23 score of 682 versus the i7's likely lower result suggests a slight edge for the i5.

Intel Core 3 N350: The i5-5675C is 0.4% behind (1742 vs 1749). The Core 3 N350 is a low-power budget part, and the near-tie in average score is notable, it means the i5-5675C's 14 nm Broadwell design does not offer significant performance margin over much newer, lower-wattage silicon. For buyers, this comparison underscores that the i5-5675C is a legacy part, not a performance leader.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the Cinebench R20 and R23 multi-core scores?

A: The i5-5675C scores 2030 in Cinebench R20 multi-core and 4835 in Cinebench R23 multi-core. The R23 test is more demanding and scales scores differently, so the two numbers are not directly comparable, they both indicate the same relative performance level for a 4-core/4-thread processor.

Q: Does the i5-5675C support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The processor uses dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, and ECC is not listed as a feature.

Q: Is the integrated graphics suitable for gaming?

A: The i5-5675C includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200, but no benchmark scores are provided for the iGPU in the data. For modern gaming, the CPU's 4-core/4-thread design and modest single-core scores (682 in Cinebench R23 single-core) will limit performance, and a discrete GPU is recommended.

Q: How does the i5-5675C compare to a modern low-power chip like the Core 3 N350?

A: The i5-5675C has an average benchmark score of 1742, which is 0.4% lower than the Core 3 N350's 1749. This means the older i5-5675C is effectively matched by a much newer low-power part in average performance, despite having a higher TDP of 65 W.

Q: What is the maximum memory bandwidth?

A: The dual-channel DDR3 interface provides a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. This is lower than modern DDR4 or DDR5 systems, and it can be a limiting factor in memory-intensive workloads.

Q: Can the multiplier be unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked. This allows overclocking, but the 65 W TDP and modest 3.10 GHz base clock to 3.60 GHz boost spread mean the overclocking headroom is limited without better cooling.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-5675C uses the Intel Socket 1150 platform, which is shared with Haswell-generation processors. This socket supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single graphics card or a couple of NVMe drives via an adapter, though the platform lacks native support for modern PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 devices.

The architecture is Broadwell, a 14 nm design from Intel, and the production status is listed as Active. The processor was released on May 14, 2015, and the part number is SR2B6SR2FX. The 4 MB shared L3 cache is smaller than what later Intel parts offer, and the lack of ECC memory support means it is not suited for error-sensitive server workloads.

The upgrade path is limited. Socket 1150 was succeeded by newer sockets, so moving to a more modern Intel platform requires a motherboard and memory change. The i5-5675C's DDR3 support is a legacy constraint; any system built around it must use older memory, which can be harder to source. The 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes are adequate for a single GPU, but multi-GPU setups or high-bandwidth storage arrays will exceed the lane budget.

For a builder looking at this processor today, the platform is the main consideration. It works with older LGA 1150 motherboards, which are available on the used market, and the 65 W TDP allows for compact builds with modest cooling. However, the memory and PCIe limitations mean it is not a future-proof choice, it is best suited for a dedicated, single-purpose system where the old platform is acceptable.