A few days ago I posted an article on the Intel Core i7-5500U processor, a higher-tier CPU part of Intel’s Broadwell U hardware platform, one that should make it into most top-configured ultrabooks that will be available in the next few months.
This time is the Intel Core i5-5200U’s turn, a main-stream, more affordable and only marginally slower processor, as proven in this side by side comparison between the i5-5200U and the i7-5500U. This post is here however to tell you a few more things about this mid-range Broadwell U CPU and show how it compares with the Haswell Core i5 offers, namely the i5-4200U and the later updated i5-4210U. This way, if you have to choose between one of the new Broadwell configurations and an older Haswell one, which should be BTW somewhat cheaper, you’d know what to expect and what to pick.
First though, a few words on this processor.
Broadwell U is only a Tick step in Intel’s Tick-Tock strategy, which means it’s a manufacturing process shrinkage. If we’re to get a bit technical, while the Haswell platform was based on a 22 nm lithography, the Broadwell is a 14 nm process. In simple words, that equals that more “components” can be placed on a similar sized processor, or, that the new processors are physically smaller and require less energy to operate than their predecessors. The latter is mostly the case here.
Of course, there are a handful on subtle differences and updates between a Haswell U and a Broadwell U processor, but as a large picture, you should not expect major performance boosts from the Broadwell platform when compared to last years’ offer (especially performance-per-clock).
With that in mind, let’s have a look at the specs.
| Intel Core i5-5200U (Ark) |
Intel Core i5-4200U (Ark) |
Intel Core i5-4210U (Ark) |
|
| Processor Base Frequency | 2.2 GHz | 1.6 GHz | 1.7 GHz |
| TurboBoost Max Frequency | 2.7 GHz | 2.6 GHz | 2.7 GHz |
| Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB | 3 MB |
| TDP | 15 W | 15 W | 15 W |
| Memory Size | up to 16 GB DDR3, dual-channel | up to 16 GB DDR3, dual-channel | up to 16 GB DDR3, dual-channel |
| Graphics | Intel HD 5500 | Intel HD 4400 | Intel HD 4400 |
| Graphics Frequency | 300 – 900 MHz | 200 – 1000 MHz | 200 – 1000 MHz |
| Graphic Execution Units | 24 | 20 | 20 |
Ok, so there are two major differences between the Core i5-5200U and the other processors above: base CPU frequency and the Integrated graphics embedded.
Due to the 14nm manufacturing processing, Intel were able to create a higher clocked processor and that will have some impact on everyday performance. Besides this, the differences between the graphics solutions might not seem that much on paper, but in reality they are significant, as proven by both the benchmarks and the actual gaming results that we’ll be mentioning below.
So for starters, here are some raw CPU benchmark results.
| Benchmark | i5-5200U (2.2 GHz. 2.7 GHz TB) | i5-4200U (1.6 GHz, 2.6 TB) | i5-4210U (1.7 GHz, 2.7 GHz TB) |
| Cinebench R15 CPU | 259 cb | 229 cb | 237 cb |
| Cinebench R15 CPU – Single Core | 100 cb | 99 cb | 102 cb |
| Cinebench R11.5 CPU | 2.84 pts | 2.5 pts | 2.6 pts |
| Cinebench R11.5 CPU – Single Core | 1.18 pts | 1.1 pts | 1.2 pts |
| x264 HD Benchmark 4.0 – Pass 1 | 86.66 fps | 77.5 fps | 79.5 fps |
The data pool for the i5-5200U is still very limited and the numbers above are based on my XPS 13 2015 edition (with 4 GB of RAM and SSD) and that’s why you should be aware these results might vary within reasonable limits, based on the tested configuration. For the i5-4200U and the i5-4210U I used Notebookcheck.net’s median results, as they have a larger range of tested products over the years (available here and here).
With that in mind, we can draw a few conclusions:
- Single Core performance between the two generations is within a 5% margin and that’s because when running these benchmarks, the CPUs should run at their maximum Turbo Boost frequencies, which are almost identical across the board (somewhat lower for the i5-4200U, visible in the results).
- The Broadwell option steps in front when it comes to multi-core benchmarks, due to its higher base clock. Even so, the numbers are only withing 5-15% better when compared to the Haswell CPUs. SO while in reality you won’t really feel the difference between the two generations in casual everyday use, the i5-5200U and other Broadwell i5s will be somewhat snappier under more demanding tasks and multitasking.
| Benchmark | i5-5200U normalized | i5-4200U normalized | i5-4210U normalized |
| Cinebench R15 CPU | 117 cb | 143 cb | 139 cb |
| Cinebench R11.5 CPU | 1.29 pts | 1.56 pts | 1.52 pts |
| x264 HD Benchmark 4.0 – Pass 1 | 39.4 fps | 48.4 fps | 46.7 fps |
| x264 HD Benchmark 4.0 – Pass 2 | 7.55 fps | 9.05 fps | 7.2 fps |
However, if we normalize the multi-core results to 1GHz in order to determine each CPU’s performance per clock, we’d see that the i5-5200U actually trails behind the Haswell options. And that for me means one thing: immature drivers, as the platform was just recently released, which in time should translate to somewhat improved results and overall performance. It could also mean that the Broadwell U platform’s performance-per-clock is just designed to sit beneath Haswell’s.
However, keep in mind that this “normalization” is far from accurate, as I’ve considered that each CPU runs at its base frequency. However, the processors aren’t running at the exact base frequency during the tests, they might run higher (due to Turbo Boost) or lower (due to overheating, throttling, etc), depending on the implementation. So take these particular results as a general reference ONLY.
Broadwell U vs Haswell U
Still, that should not matter much to end users. What you should know is that the i5-5200U is overall 5-15% faster than the Haswell based 15W Core i5 processors and it should also be 10-20% more efficient, based on Intel’s press-releases and my limited experience with the platform so far. But we’ll talk more about that in a future article, once I get to test more Broadwell U configurations.
As for the graphics, I also plan on analyzing the Intel HD 5500 chip in a separate and more detailed article. But I’ll give you some spoilers here as well.
| Benchmark | i5-5200U (HD 5500) | i5-4200U (HD 44000) |
i5-4210U (HD 4400) |
| Cinebench R15 GPU | 30.22 fps | ~20 fps | ~20 fps |
| Cinebench R11.5 GPU | 24.63 fps | ~18 fps | ~18 fps |
| 3DMark 1 | P1147 | ~P900 | ~P920 |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate | 5057 | ~3400 | ~3500 |
Again, the i5-5200U results are based on the Dell XPS 13 2015, while the Haswell CPUs’ numbers are based on several different reviews I did over the years. Thus, you should only take them as a general reference, they will vary from product to product, from configuration to configuration.
The bigger picture is that the Intel HD 5500 chip is actually significantly faster then the Intel HD 4400 solutions. And that’s noticeable both in benchmarks, but especially if you plan to run some light games on your ultraportables. Still, like I said, you should read my latest reviews for more updates or wait for the in-depth post about the HD 5500 graphics chip, should be available here on the site in a few weeks, as I gather more data.
Wrap-up
At the end of the day, I’d say Intel did a fine job with the mid-range Core i5-5200U processor and if paired with 8 GB of RAM and a proper SSD, such a configuration should do well for most of you, as long as you plan on using your computer for everyday activities such as browsing, editing texts, chatting, listening to music, watching all sorts of video contents and even play some casual games.
Compared to the previous Haswell i5 processors, this one offers slightly better results in RAW CPU benchmarks (and it’s actually really close to the Haswell i7 processors) and significantly better results in anything graphics related. On top of these, it should be more efficient, which translates in longer runtimes, cooler laptops and potentially new and more compact form factors.
Time will tell.
If you want to know how the i5-5200U compares to the i7-5500U, you should follow this link. And if I get to test any of the Broadwell i3 configurations, I’ll have a dedicated post about it as well.
For now, we’ll wrap it up here. This post should show you what to expect from the Intel Core i5-5200U CPU and whether it’s a good buy or not. In my opinion it is, but if you’re on a tight budget or just find a very good deal on a Haswell configuration, that could prove to be a smarter pick. Just get in touch if you have any questions or anything to add and I’ll get back to you.
Zia Rahman
April 28, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Hi Andrei, thanks for the comparison. What would be the difference in gaming if we club i5-5200u and i5-4210u with nvidia gt 820m since there is a significant price difference between notebooks of these two configurations. Please reply to my query at your earliest as it will help me in finalizing my choice. Good day.
Andrei
June 14, 2015 at 5:11 pm
Salut Andrei !
I’m currently trying to convince myself to buy a new laptop, as a replacement for my antique TravelMate 2490.
Based on my research, the i5 4210M is a decent cpu. However, now that Broadwell is out, i’m also looking at the i5 5200U. I’m guessing the 4210M still has bit of an edge over the 5200U(performance-wise), but really i want another opinion. Any thoughts ?
I’ll be using the laptop for coding,browsing and some games(the most demanding one will be CS:GO, if you’re familiar with it).
Also, it’s definitely going to have a full HD screen and probably going to have dedicated graphics.
Thanks !
Peter Payntinmg
June 21, 2015 at 1:31 am
I am looking to purchase a Toshiba Kirabook notebook. The choice is I7-4510U (2ghz) with 2560×1440 touchscreen and HD4400 graphics @ $1799AUD or I5-5200U (1.6ghz) with 1920×1080 and HD5500 graphics @ 1586AUD. All other features are the same. Which would be the better purchase. There is also the opportunity to purchase the older model I5-4200U (1.6ghz) with 2560×1440 touchscreen and HD4400 graphics @ $1294.
Linsay
July 6, 2015 at 5:43 pm
How does an HP laptop with Intel Core i5-4210U compare with same price range Acer Aspire E with Intel i7-5500U processor? They both have 1TB hard drive and 8GB RAM.
I need a decent working computer at a price below $900. I’m interested in ability to multitask on the Internet (run wordpress, and several tabs for research), some use of Adobe Creative Suite or Microsoft Office (not all at once).
I have a strong computer at home, this is for flexibility. Thanks for your helpful articles!
Ame Chan
August 31, 2015 at 7:54 pm
Hi Andrei,
Thanks so much for the review. I would also love your opinion on my impending purchase. I am very excited that I have decided to by an Acer Aspire R7-371T, but I am trying to decide whether to pay for the i5-5200U or save $100 & get the i5-4210U. I just use my laptop for day-to-day word processing, note taking, web surfing, etc. I very infrequently stream any video and do not game. However, I do multi-task a ton (lots of tabs open & 1-3 programs/apps open at the same time.
What do you think?
Thank you!
Best,
Ame
Mecid
June 2, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Hi Andrei, I want to buy a new laptop for gaming but my budget is low.what’s your option abut Lenovo thinkpad e560(i5 6200u, Radeon r5 m370 2gig,8 gig ram ,1tb had)
Andrei Girbea
June 2, 2016 at 8:53 pm
Not familiar with that model. Based on the specs you mentioned, the HDD is the bottleneck? What the price?
Mecid
June 3, 2016 at 8:58 pm
Abut 550$/1tb/ can you introduction a site for compare gpu or cup . Passmark is valid or cupboss ? Can you offer me a laptop abut this budget?
Sumit
June 6, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Hi Andrei,
I require laptop for mainly coding-development work, playing hd movies/songs, playing PC games occasionally. My top most priority is high performance (without or less hanging/freezing issue) without causing overheating.
I heard intel i5 processor is better than 5th gen i3 in terms of performance. But the laptop with i5 comes at much costlier than i3. Do you think paying extra bucks for 5th gen i5 really worth it in terms of performance?
FYI, I use linux for 70% of my day2day work. Rest 30% windows 7.
Lei
June 22, 2016 at 10:52 am
Hi Andrei,
I am planning to buy a laptop and I am planning on Acer E5-473G-55L5 with Intel core i5-5200U, NVIDIA GeForce 940M with 2GB Dedicated VRAM, 4GB DDR3 L Memory and 1TB HDD. Is this a good pick? I mainly use my latp for office/online works. not much of gaming. Thanks.
Andrei Girbea
June 22, 2016 at 11:30 am
The specs are mostly alright, but I’d put more RAM inside, 4 gigs are not really enough imo. Also, the E5-473G is mostly an entry-level laptop and has some flaws. This review should be helpful: notebookcheck.net/Acer-Aspire-E5-473G-Notebook-Review.148872.0.html . THis one probably has a good price, but you could also have a look at the similar Asus, HP or Lenovo machines.