Intel Core i5-5350H

Intel Core i5-5350H in 2025: Is It Worth Considering an Outdated Processor?
Analysis for Practical Users
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: What Broadwell Hides
The Intel Core i5-5350H processor, released in 2015, is based on the Broadwell microarchitecture (5th generation Intel Core) and is manufactured using a 14nm process technology. Despite its age, it retains several features relevant for basic tasks:
- 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Base clock speed of 2.8 GHz, maximum frequency in Turbo Boost mode of 3.5 GHz.
- 4 MB of L3 cache, which provides decent data processing speed for a dual-core CPU.
- Integrated graphics Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 with 48 EU (Execution Units) and a frequency of up to 1050 MHz.
Architectural Features:
- Broadwell acted as a transitional link between Haswell and Skylake. It improved energy efficiency compared to the 22nm Haswell, but did not bring revolutionary changes in IPC (Instructions Per Cycle).
- The Iris Pro 6200 iGPU is one of the strengths of the processor. It supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.3, and 4K output, but by 2025, its capabilities will suffice only for undemanding gaming and graphics work.
Power Consumption and TDP: The Price for Performance
The processor's TDP is 47 W, which categorizes it as a "high-performance mobile CPU." For comparison, modern Intel 13th generation processors (e.g., Core i5-1340P) offer 4 cores and 8 threads with a TDP of 28 W.
What does this mean for the user?
- Laptops with the i5-5350H require an efficient cooling system. They are often models with hefty heat sinks and noisy fans.
- In Turbo Boost mode, power consumption can reach 55–60 W, reducing battery life.
Performance in 2025: What Can Broadwell Do?
Office Work and Multimedia
- Microsoft Office, Browsers (10+ tabs), Zoom: The processor handles these tasks smoothly, but running several resource-heavy applications simultaneously (e.g., Photoshop + Chrome) may cause stuttering.
- 4K Video: Playback from YouTube or local files is smooth thanks to decoding capabilities of the iGPU.
Gaming
- CS2, Dota 2, Overwatch (on low settings): Achieves 30–45 FPS at 1080p resolution.
- Modern AAA titles (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield): Even on minimum settings, playing comfortably is not feasible—FPS drops below 20.
- Turbo Boost Mode: Momentary frequency boosts help in “choppy” scenarios (loading levels, streaming), but overheating compromises stability.
Usage Scenarios: Who Is the i5-5350H Suitable For in 2025?
1. Students and Office Workers — for document processing, online courses, and watching movies.
2. Budget Gamers — if the laptop is equipped with discrete graphics like NVIDIA GTX 1650, it can handle games from 2015–2020.
3. Owners of Older OS — for example, Windows 7/8.1, where drivers for new CPUs might be absent.
Important! For tasks involving video editing, 3D modeling, or machine learning, the i5-5350H is not suitable due to limited multithreading.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
Laptops with this processor typically came equipped with batteries rated at 45–60 Wh. By 2025, their capacity may have decreased by 20–30%, resulting in:
- 4–6 hours of web surfing at 50% brightness.
- 2–3 hours under load (gaming, rendering).
Power Saving Technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep — dynamic frequency adjustment.
- C-states — disabling unused components.
- Windows Power Saver Mode — reducing performance to extend battery life.
Modern processors (e.g., AMD Ryzen 5 7540U) in similar conditions can operate 30–50% longer.
Comparison with Competitors: Who Performs Better?
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (Tiger Lake, 2020)
- 4 cores / 8 threads, 10nm process, TDP 15-28 W.
- 70% faster in multithreaded tasks, iGPU Iris Xe is 2.5x more powerful.
- New laptops — starting from $600.
AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (Zen 2, 2021)
- 6 cores / 12 threads, 7nm process, TDP 15 W.
- Suitable for video editing and gaming at medium settings.
- Price — starting from $500.
Apple M1 (2020)
- 8 cores (4+4), 5nm process, TDP 15 W.
- Performance is 3–4 times higher with half the power consumption.
- Laptops — starting from $800 (used — from $500).
Conclusion: The i5-5350H falls short even against budget models from 2023–2024.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low cost of laptops (new models — $400–600).
- Compatibility with outdated software and OS.
- Reliability — a well-tested platform.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated architecture.
- High power consumption.
- Limited multithreading.
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
1. Type of Device:
- Budget Laptop — for example, Dell Inspiron 15 5559 (new old stock — around $450).
- Support for Discrete Graphics — look for models with NVIDIA MX150 or GTX 1050.
2. What to Pay Attention To:
- Cooling System — at least two fans.
- Battery — replacing the battery with a new one (cost — $50–80).
- Ports — USB-C with Power Delivery support for fast charging.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the i5-5350H Suitable For?
This processor should be considered only in two cases:
1. Very Limited Budget ($300–500) and the need for a basic laptop for internet and office work.
2. Specific Requirements — such as running legacy software that is incompatible with modern CPUs.
Key Benefits:
- Low price.
- Predictable performance in basic scenarios.
Alternative: If the budget allows $500–700, choose laptops with Ryzen 5 5500U or Core i3-1215U — they will last longer and not disappoint in the future.
Conclusion: The Intel Core i5-5350H in 2025 is a choice for those who value savings over progress. But remember: the $200 saved today may result in the need to replace the device within a year.