Intel Core i7-5500U

The Intel Core i7-5500U is a 15-watt mobile processor from the Broadwell generation, built on Intel's 14 nm process. It pairs two physical cores with Hyper-Threading for four threads, running at a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz. Benchmark results place this chip at the 25th percentile among all CPUs, indicating a modest performance tier that is typical for an ultra-low-voltage part designed for thin-and-light laptops.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i7-5500U's benchmark results are consistent with its dual-core, four-thread configuration. In Cinebench R23, it scores 2380 in multi-core and 336 in single-core tests. The single-core figure of 336 is relatively strong for a 2.40 GHz base clock, reflecting the efficiency of the Broadwell architecture and its 3.00 GHz boost capability. The multi-core score of 2380 shows a 7.1x scaling from single-core, which is typical for a dual-core part with Hyper-Threading.

In Cinebench R20, the processor delivers 999 multi-core and 141 single-core points. The R20 multi-core score is interesting because it is nearly identical in ratio to the R23 result, confirming consistent performance across rendering workloads. The Geekbench scores, at 1689 multi-core and 881 single-core, follow the same pattern. The single-core Geekbench result of 881 is respectable for a mobile chip from this era, while the multi-core score of 1689 shows the expected limitation of having only two physical cores.

The older Cinebench R15 test yields a multi-core score of 239, which aligns with the processor's performance class. Across all benchmark suites, the average score is 952, placing it just below the middle of the pack. The data shows a processor that handles everyday tasks and light productivity well, but it is not designed for heavy multi-threaded workloads. The 25th percentile ranking among all CPUs underscores this positioning.

How It Compares

Relative to the Intel Core i7-950, the i7-5500U is essentially a statistical tie, with a delta of just 0.1%. The i7-950 is a much older desktop processor with a higher TDP, yet the average benchmark scores are nearly identical at 951 vs 952. This comparison highlights how architectural improvements in the 5500U compensate for its lower clock speeds and fewer cores, allowing a 15-watt mobile chip to match a desktop part from several years earlier.

Against the AMD A10-9700E, the i7-5500U again shows a delta of 0.1%, with the AMD part scoring 951. This is another near-exact match. The A10-9700E is a desktop APU with a higher power envelope, but the benchmark results indicate that the 5500U's superior single-thread efficiency offsets its lower core count. For users comparing these two, the data shows no meaningful performance difference in average workloads.

The Intel Core i5-2405S is the first rival where the 5500U falls behind, with a delta of -0.2%. The i5-2405S scores 954 on average. Although this delta is small, it is noteworthy because the i5-2405S is a quad-core desktop processor. The 5500U comes within a fraction of a percent of it, demonstrating that dual-core mobile parts with higher IPC can approach quad-core desktop performance from an older generation in mixed workloads.

The Intel Pentium Silver J5040 leads the group with an average score of 955, putting the 5500U at a -0.3% delta. The J5040 is a lower-end desktop processor, yet it edges out the i7-5500U in average benchmark scores. This result is surprising given the 5500U's higher clock speeds and architecture, but the data indicates that the J5040 holds a slight advantage in the specific tests used to calculate the average. Overall, the 5500U sits in a tight cluster of processors scoring between 951 and 955, showing that its performance is highly comparable to a range of desktop and mobile parts from its era.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core i7-5500U uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, which is a ball-grid array package that is soldered directly to the motherboard. This means the processor is not user-upgradeable, as it is permanently attached to the system board. The platform is based on the Broadwell-U architecture, which was designed for ultraportable laptops and mini-PCs.

Memory support is limited to DDR3, operating on a dual-channel bus. The maximum memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s, which is standard for this generation of mobile processors. ECC memory is not supported, so the chip is not suitable for workstation-class error-checking workloads. The memory controller is integrated into the CPU, and the dual-channel configuration is essential for achieving the rated bandwidth.

For expansion, the processor provides PCIe Gen 2 with 12 lanes from the CPU. This is a limited number of lanes, reflecting the mobile focus of the chip. The integrated graphics is the Intel HD 5500, which handles display output and basic graphics acceleration. The processor supports the mobile market segment and has a production status of end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured.

The upgrade path for this processor is effectively nonexistent due to the BGA packaging. Users who need more performance would need to replace the entire motherboard or system. The lack of an unlocked multiplier also prevents overclocking, so the 2.40 GHz base and 3.00 GHz boost clocks are fixed. The part number is SR23W, and it was released on 2015-02-28.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the base clock and boost clock?

A: The base clock is 2.40 GHz, which is the guaranteed minimum frequency under normal load. The boost clock is 3.00 GHz, which the processor can reach on a single core when thermal and power headroom allow.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The memory support is limited to standard DDR3 without error-checking functionality.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: The CPU provides 12 PCIe Gen 2 lanes. This is a limited allocation that is typical for a low-power mobile processor.

Q: Is the Core i7-5500U still in production?

A: No, the production status is end-of-life. The processor is no longer manufactured, though it may still be available in existing devices or on the secondary market.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of this processor?

A: The maximum memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s, achieved with dual-channel DDR3 memory.

Q: Can the multiplier be unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked. The processor does not have an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported.

Power and Thermals

The Core i7-5500U has a TDP of 15 watts, which places it in the ultra-low-power class of mobile processors. This TDP is a key feature, as it allows for fanless or passively cooled designs in some thin-and-light laptops. The 14 nm manufacturing process and 1,300 million transistors on an 82 mm² die contribute to the efficiency that makes this low power draw possible.

A 15-watt TDP implies that a capable air cooler is sufficient for thermal management. In practice, most systems with this processor use a small heat pipe and fan combination, though passive cooling is possible in well-ventilated chassis. The low power envelope also means that the processor generates minimal heat, which is beneficial for battery life and sustained performance in compact form factors.

The thermal characteristics are consistent with the benchmark scores. The processor's performance in multi-core tests, such as the 2380 points in Cinebench R23, is achieved within this 15-watt constraint. The single-core boost to 3.00 GHz can be sustained for short bursts, but prolonged multi-threaded loads will see clocks drop to manage thermals. The data shows that the 5500U delivers its performance efficiently, making it well-suited for everyday mobile use.