Intel Core i5-5287U

Intel Core i5-5287U Broadwell: Is it Worth Choosing a Laptop with This Processor in 2025?
Introduction
In 2025, the laptop market is overflowing with processors featuring 8 cores, neural accelerators, and AI support. However, even now, we can still find devices powered by the Intel Core i5-5287U—a chip from 2015 manufactured using a 14nm process technology. Why is it still being sold? Who would benefit from such a laptop? Let’s dive into the details.
Architecture and Process Technology: What’s Inside?
Broadwell Code, 14nm, and Dual-Core Base
The Core i5-5287U belongs to the Broadwell family (5th generation Intel Core). It's the first "tick" in Intel's "tick-tock" strategy, where "tick" denotes an optimization of an existing architecture. The chip is built on a 14nm process, which was groundbreaking in 2015 but seems archaic in 2025.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Frequencies: Base clock — 2.9 GHz, turbo mode — up to 3.3 GHz.
- Cache: L3 cache — 3 MB (modest even for its time).
- Integrated Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 with 48 execution units. By 2025, this is only sufficient for basic tasks.
Architectural Features
- Support for DDR3L-1600/1866 and LPDDR3-1600/1866.
- Power-saving technologies: SpeedStep, Turbo Boost 2.0.
- Lack of support for AVX-512 and other modern instructions.
Power Consumption and TDP: The Cost of Compactness
The processor’s TDP is 28W. In comparison, modern ultrabooks use chips with a TDP of 15W (e.g., Intel Core i5-1335U). The high TDP for a dual-core processor is explained by the powerful Iris integrated graphics and the features of the 14nm process.
What Does This Mean for Users?
- Heating: Laptops with this CPU require active cooling. In compact cases, fans can become noisy under load.
- Performance Balance: Turbo mode (up to 3.3 GHz) works briefly— the system quickly reaches thermal limits.
Performance in 2025: What Can You Do?
Geekbench 6
- Single-Core: 1029 — acceptable for basic tasks.
- Multi-Core: 1989 — weak even for budget modern chips (for example, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U scores around ~4500).
Real-World Scenarios
1. Office Work:
- Working with documents (Word, Excel), browsers (10+ tabs) — possible but with lag when switching between heavy web applications.
- Example: Google Meet + Slack + 5 Chrome tabs — the CPU is loaded at 80-90%.
2. Multimedia:
- Watching 1080p/4K video (with hardware acceleration) — no problem.
- Editing photos in Lightroom — long processing times for RAW files (2-3 minutes per frame).
3. Gaming:
- Iris 6100 can only handle games from before 2015 at low settings:
- CS:GO — 30-40 FPS (720p).
- The Sims 4 — 25-35 FPS (768p).
- Modern titles like Fortnite or Valorant won’t start or will run at 1-10 FPS.
Turbo Boost Mode
The processor can temporarily boost up to 3.3 GHz, but in laptops without effective cooling (like ultrabooks from 2015-2016), the frequency quickly drops back to base levels.
Use Cases: Who Is It Suitable For?
Core i5-5287U is a choice for very limited tasks:
1. Students — for lectures, working with texts, and presentations.
2. Seniors — browsing, online communication, simple games.
3. Backup Laptop — in case the main device breaks down.
Who Should Avoid It?
- Freelancers working with graphics or video.
- Gamers.
- Programmers running virtual machines or Docker.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a TDP of 28W and a typical battery size of 40-50 Wh (for ultrabooks from 2015-2016), the runtime will be:
- Video playback: 4-5 hours.
- Office work: 3-4 hours.
Power-Saving Technologies
- Intel SpeedStep — dynamic frequency reduction during idle time.
- C-states — shutting down unused components.
However, modern processors (like the Apple M1) perform these tasks 2-3 times longer under similar conditions.
Comparison with Competitors
Intel
- Core i3-1215U (2022): 2 cores (4 threads), 8GB DDR5, Iris Xe. Geekbench 6 Multi-Core — ~4500. Laptop prices start at $400.
- Pentium Gold 7505 (2023): Comparable price but better performance in multi-threaded tasks.
AMD
- Ryzen 3 7320U (2023): 4 cores, Zen 2, Radeon 610M. Multi-Core — ~5000. Laptops from $350.
Apple
- MacBook Air M1 (2020): 8 cores, 18-hour battery life. Used models — from $500, new models — discontinued.
Conclusion: The Core i5-5287U falls short compared to even budget modern chips.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Low price of laptops (new devices starting from $250).
- Adequate for basic tasks.
- Compact sizes of ultrabooks on this platform.
Weaknesses
- Only 2 cores.
- High power consumption.
- No support for modern standards (USB-C, Wi-Fi 6).
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
Types of Devices
- Ultrabooks from 2015-2016: For example, Dell XPS 13 (model 9343). Pros — premium design, cons — worn-out battery.
- Budget Laptops: For instance, HP Pavilion 13.
What to Pay Attention To?
1. Battery Condition: After 10 years of use, its capacity may have dropped by 50-70%.
2. SSD Upgrade: Replacing HDD with SSD will extend the device's lifespan.
3. RAM: At least 8GB.
Advice: If the budget allows $300-400, it's better to opt for a new laptop based on Intel Core i3 12th generation or AMD Ryzen 3.
Final Conclusion
In 2025, the Intel Core i5-5287U is an option only for those who critically need to save money. It is suitable for:
- The most basic tasks: document work, watching YouTube.
- As a temporary solution.
Key Benefits:
- Extremely low price.
- Portability of ultrabooks.
However, even budget modern processors offer a better balance of price, performance, and battery life. If your requirements exceed "typing text and checking email" — look for alternatives.
Prices are current as of April 2025. They are for new devices, if such are still available for sale.