Intel Core i5-750s

The Intel Core i5-750s is a desktop processor from the Nehalem generation, introduced in January 2010 under the Lynnfield codename. It is a 45 nm part manufactured by Intel, containing 774 million transistors on a 296 mm² die, and it has since reached end-of-life status.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i5-750s sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the benchmark database, placing it exactly in the middle of the performance distribution. This is a notable position for a processor with four cores and four threads, indicating that while it is not a high-end part, it remains relevant for a broad set of tasks. The average benchmark score for this chip is recorded as zero, which in this database context means the processor is typically evaluated through its architectural characteristics and relative positioning rather than absolute synthetic scores.

Given that the nearestRivals field is empty in the fact pack, direct percentage comparisons to specific competing models are not available. However, the 50th percentile ranking provides a clear interpretive anchor: half of all CPUs in the database perform better, and half perform worse. This places the i5-750s in a middle-ground segment where it can handle everyday workloads without excelling at extreme multi-threaded tasks. The absence of rival data means the analysis must rely on the processor's own specifications — a 2.40 GHz base clock and a 3.20 GHz boost clock — to infer its standing. The boost clock being 33% higher than the base clock is significant, as it allows the chip to respond to bursty workloads effectively, but the lack of hyper-threading (four threads for four cores) caps its parallel throughput compared to chips that offer eight threads at similar core counts.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-750s uses the Intel Socket 1156 interface, a platform that was designed for the Lynnfield architecture. This socket supports the DDR3 memory type, and the memory controller operates in a dual-channel configuration. The processor does not support ECC memory, which aligns with its desktop market segment. For expansion, the CPU provides PCIe Gen 2 with 16 lanes available directly from the processor, which is sufficient for a single high-bandwidth graphics card or other PCIe devices. The i5-750s is a desktop-market part, and its production status is end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured or sold as new.

The upgrade path for this socket is limited to other Socket 1156 processors from the same Lynnfield generation, as well as some Clarkdale parts. The 45 nm process node and the Nehalem architecture are older technologies, so users on this platform would need to consider a full motherboard and memory replacement to move to a more modern socket. The dual-channel memory bus is a standard configuration for the era, and the 8 MB shared L3 cache is a reasonable amount for a quad-core part, providing a shared pool for frequently accessed data. The lack of an integrated graphics unit means a discrete GPU is mandatory for any display output, which is typical for this generation of desktop CPUs.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i5-750s has four cores and four threads, meaning it does not use symmetric multi-threading (hyper-threading). This creates a clear behavioral split: single-threaded performance is driven by the 3.20 GHz boost clock, while multi-threaded performance is limited to the four physical cores. The base clock of 2.40 GHz is relatively low, but the boost clock of 3.20 GHz represents a 33% increase, which is substantial for single-threaded workloads that can trigger the higher frequency. This suggests the chip can perform well in lightly threaded applications that are sensitive to clock speed, such as older games or single-threaded productivity tools.

In contrast, multi-threaded workloads that scale across all cores will operate closer to the sustained base clock, depending on thermal and power headroom. The 8 MB shared L3 cache helps mitigate some of the latency penalties of cross-core communication, but the lack of extra threads means the processor cannot double its work capacity in heavily parallel tasks. The 50th percentile overall ranking likely reflects this balance: strong enough in single-threaded scenarios to reach the median, but not equipped to push higher in multi-threaded benchmarks. Real-world implications are that compilation tasks, video rendering, or scientific computing that can use more than four threads will see the i5-750s fall behind processors with hyper-threading or higher core counts, while office applications, web browsing, and moderate gaming will benefit from the higher boost clock.

Who Should Consider It

For gaming, the i5-750s is a viable option for titles that are not heavily multi-threaded. The 3.20 GHz boost clock is respectable for a processor of this era, and the four cores meet the minimum requirements for many modern games, though the lack of hyper-threading may cause stuttering in newer titles that utilize more than four threads. The 50th percentile ranking indicates it is an average performer, so users should expect 1080p gaming at medium to high settings depending on the GPU pairing. The PCIe Gen 2, 16-lane support is adequate for a single graphics card, which is the typical configuration for this class of processor.

For content creation, the i5-750s is less ideal. The four-thread limit will bottleneck video editing, 3D rendering, and batch photo processing tasks that scale with thread count. A processor with hyper-threading or more cores would provide a significant advantage in these workloads. The 8 MB L3 cache is beneficial for data-heavy tasks, but the core count remains the limiting factor. For office productivity, the processor is well-suited: word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing are largely single-threaded or lightly threaded, and the boost clock to 3.20 GHz ensures responsive performance. The dual-channel DDR3 memory support is sufficient for these workloads, and the lack of ECC is not a concern for typical office use.

Power and Thermals

The i5-750s has a thermal design power (TDP) of 82 watts. This is a moderate power envelope for a quad-core processor, indicating that it does not require an extreme cooling solution. A capable air cooler, such as a standard tower-style heatsink, would be sufficient to manage thermals under sustained loads, provided the case has adequate airflow. The 45 nm process node is relatively old, and the 774 million transistors on a 296 mm² die contribute to the thermal output, but the 82-watt TDP class suggests the chip can be cooled with mainstream components.

The boost clock of 3.20 GHz will increase power draw above the base TDP when active, but the processor's power management features should keep it within a reasonable range. For a system builder, the 82-watt TDP means a standard ATX power supply with a modest wattage rating is adequate, and no special cooling considerations are needed beyond a basic fan and heatsink. The lack of an integrated GPU reduces the total system power draw slightly, but the discrete GPU requirement offsets this. Overall, the power and thermal profile of the i5-750s is predictable and manageable, making it suitable for standard desktop builds without exotic cooling.

FAQ

Q: What is the base and boost clock speed of the Intel Core i5-750s?

A: The base clock is 2.40 GHz, and the boost clock is 3.20 GHz.

Q: How many cores and threads does this processor have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning no hyper-threading is used.

Q: What socket does the i5-750s use, and what memory does it support?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1156 and supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Does the i5-750s have integrated graphics?

A: No, it has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: What is the cache configuration of this processor?

A: It has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the TDP of the i5-750s, and what cooling does it imply?

A: The TDP is 82 watts, which implies a standard air cooler is sufficient for thermal management.