Intel Core i7-3555LE

The Intel Core i7-3555LE is a mobile processor built on the Ivy Bridge architecture, manufactured on Intel's 22 nm process. Released in 2012, this dual-core chip with four threads operates at a base clock of 2.50 GHz and boosts to 3.20 GHz, all within a 25 W TDP. It integrates Intel HD 4000 graphics and sits in the 15th percentile of all CPUs according to aggregate benchmark data, with an average score of 654.

Benchmark Performance

The data shows a modest performance profile. In Cinebench R23, the i7-3555LE scores 1902 in multi-core and 268 in single-core. Earlier Cinebench versions show similar positioning: R20 multi-core is 798, single-core is 112, and R15 multi-core is 191. These numbers place the chip at the 15th percentile of all CPUs, meaning the vast majority of processors outperform it in aggregate.

Comparing to its nearest rivals, the i7-3555LE is nearly indistinguishable from the Intel Core i5-3427U, which has an average score of 655 against the i7's 654, a delta of -0.2% (the i7 is 0.2% slower). It also trails the AMD Athlon II X4 635 (avg 656, -0.2%) and the Intel Core i5-650 (avg 657, -0.5%). Interestingly, it edges out the Intel Xeon E5462 (avg 652, +0.2%). This tight cluster of scores — all within 0.5% of each other — indicates that the i7-3555LE delivers performance equivalent to a range of older desktop and mobile parts, despite being a low-power mobile chip.

The absolute scores are low by modern standards, but the consistency across Cinebench versions (R15, R20, R23) suggests a stable, predictable compute capability. The average benchmark score of 654 reflects a processor that is suited for basic tasks rather than heavy computational loads.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 25 W, the i7-3555LE belongs to the ultra-low-power class for mobile processors. This is a key differentiator from desktop rivals like the Intel Core i5-650, which likely draws far more power (though that number is not in the data). The 22 nm process node and 118 mm² die size are indicative of a design optimized for efficiency. The low TDP implies that a modest cooling solution — perhaps a small fan or passive heat pipe — is sufficient to manage thermals in a thin laptop or embedded system. The fact that it is a mobile part (market segment "Mobile") further reinforces that thermal headroom is a primary design constraint. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics also contribute to the overall power envelope, but the 25 W figure covers the entire processor package.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Cinebench R23 scores reveal a distinct split: single-core is 268, while multi-core is 1902. The multi-core score is roughly seven times the single-core score, but with only 2 physical cores and 4 threads, this scaling is limited by the architecture. The single-core score of 268 is quite low, indicating that the i7-3555LE will feel sluggish in tasks that rely on a single thread, such as older games, spreadsheet recalculation, or lightweight web browsing. The multi-core score of 1902 is higher, but still modest, meaning that multi-threaded workloads like video encoding or 3D rendering will see some benefit from the four threads, but not enough to compete with modern desktop processors. The ratio between single and multi-core scores suggests that the chip is better suited to parallel tasks than sequential ones, but the absolute performance ceiling is low. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score is 112 and multi-core is 798, following the same pattern.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Core i7-3555LE?

A: The average benchmark score is 654, placing it at the 15th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 25 W, which is typical for a low-power mobile processor.

Q: Does the i7-3555LE support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK indicates that ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked: false).

Q: What socket does this processor use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket, which is a ball-grid array for mobile systems.

How It Compares

Intel Core i5-3427U: This rival has an average score of 655, just one point higher than the i7-3555LE's 654. The delta of -0.2% means the i7 is essentially tied with the i5-3427U in aggregate performance. Both are mobile parts, so this is a direct comparison in the same market segment.

AMD Athlon II X4 635: The Athlon II X4 635 scores 656 on average, with a delta of -0.2% relative to the i7. This shows that the i7-3555LE's two cores with hyper-threading can hold its own against this rival, despite the Athlon's apparent core advantage implied by its name. The performance difference is negligible.

Intel Xeon E5462: The Xeon E5462 has an average score of 652, and the i7-3555LE is 0.2% faster (delta +0.2%). This is a server-class processor, yet the low-power mobile i7 manages to outpace it in aggregate benchmarks, likely due to the newer architecture and higher clock speeds relative to the Xeon's age.

Intel Core i5-650: The i5-650 scores 657, giving a delta of -0.5% (the i7 is slower). The difference is minuscule, but the i7's 25 W TDP suggests a power efficiency advantage. The i5-650's higher average score comes at the cost of a higher power envelope, which is a trade-off that matters in mobile contexts.

Who Should Consider It

Given its low TDP and modest scores, the i7-3555LE is best suited for ultra-portable laptops, thin-and-light notebooks, or embedded systems where power efficiency is critical. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 268 suggests that office productivity tasks — word processing, spreadsheets, email — will run adequately but not quickly. Multi-threaded tasks like light photo editing or basic video conversion can leverage the 1902 multi-core score, but heavy 3D rendering or complex simulations will be painfully slow. Gamers should look elsewhere, as the integrated Intel HD 4000 and low single-thread performance are not conducive to modern titles. For users who prioritize battery life and passive cooling over raw performance, this chip is a reasonable choice. The 15th percentile ranking indicates it is a budget-oriented part, but for its intended mobile segment, it delivers balanced performance.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-3555LE is built on the Ivy Bridge architecture and manufactured on Intel's 22 nm process, with a die size of 118 mm². It uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket, which is a soldered ball-grid array — this means the processor is not upgradeable without replacing the entire motherboard. The chip supports dual-channel memory, though specific memory types are not listed in the data. ECC memory is not supported. It includes integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, making a discrete GPU optional for basic display output. The processor was released on June 2, 2012, and carries the part number SR0T5. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible. The lack of PCIe information in the data means expansion capabilities are unclear, but as a mobile BGA part, it is typically integrated into a fixed platform with limited expansion. The upgrade path is essentially non-existent; users must replace the entire system to get better performance.