Quick Verdict
A historically significant processor for battery life, but its dual-core architecture is too weak for modern demanding workloads.
Overview
Launch
2015
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
5th Generation (Broadwell-U)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-5350U is a dual-core mobile processor introduced in early 2015 as part of the Broadwell-U family. Built on Intel's 14-nanometer manufacturing process, it was designed primarily for thin-and-light ultrabooks and compact form factor systems where power efficiency is paramount. With a base frequency of 1.8 GHz and the ability to turbo boost up to 2.9 GHz, it offers a balanced approach to performance and battery life. The processor includes Hyper-Threading, allowing its two physical cores to handle four threads simultaneously, which improves multitasking capabilities. It also features 3 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 6000, providing decent graphical performance for everyday workloads and light media consumption. With a low 15 W TDP that can be configured down to 9.5 W, the i5-5350U was a popular choice for premium ultraportables, including Apple's MacBook Air lineup, offering a noticeable improvement in efficiency over the previous generation.
Released in 2015, the Intel Core i5-5350U brought the 14nm process to mobile computing, significantly improving battery life for ultrabooks. With 2 cores, 4 threads, and a max turbo of 2.9 GHz, it handles basic web browsing and office tasks well.
Its Intel HD 6000 graphics were a step up at the time, allowing for smooth 4K video playback. Today, it is outdated but remains functional for lightweight computing.
Specifications
Performance
Handles basic document editing and web apps smoothly, but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Not recommended due to low core count and limited memory bandwidth.
Only capable of running very old or extremely lightweight 2D games.
Still highly efficient for basic tasks, offering excellent battery life in older laptops.
- •Integrated HD 6000 lacks power for modern 3D titles
- •Suitable for retro emulation and 2D indie games
- •Shares system RAM, limiting frame rates
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •Far too slow for local inference
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Broadwell-U
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
3 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-5350U is based on the Broadwell microarchitecture, which is essentially a die shrink of Haswell to the 14 nm process node. This reduction in transistor size allowed Intel to improve energy efficiency significantly while fitting more transistors into a smaller die area. The chip utilizes a System on Chip (SoC) design, integrating the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) directly onto the same package, which reduces the motherboard footprint. Broadwell introduced minor architectural tweaks over Haswell, yielding slight single-threaded performance improvements and better instruction-per-cycle (IPC) efficiency. A major upgrade lies in the integrated graphics; the HD Graphics 6000 features 24 execution units (EUs), up from 20 in Haswell, offering enhanced video decoding and encoding capabilities. The processor supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1866 MT/s and includes PCIe 2.0 lanes. The combination of the 14 nm node and refined power management states enables the processor to maintain high turbo frequencies longer while staying within thermal limits.
CPU Design
Dual-core design with Hyper-Threading for 4 total threads.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1866 supporting up to 16GB.
PCIe & I/O
12 PCIe 2.0 lanes for basic peripheral connectivity.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked, no overclocking capability.
- Shrink from 22nm to 14nm process
- Improved HD Graphics 6000 over HD 5000
- Better thermal efficiency
Key Highlights
- Excellent power efficiency for its era
- Good for basic daily computing
- Integrated HD 6000 handles 4K video well
- Low heat output
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Weak integrated graphics for 3D work
History
Released in March 2015, the Core i5-5350U arrived during a transitional period for Intel. The 14 nm Broadwell architecture faced significant manufacturing delays, causing it to launch much later than originally anticipated. As a result, its lifespan was relatively short, quickly overshadowed by the release of Skylake (6th Gen) later that same year.
Despite the brief time in the sun, Broadwell-U found its way into many premium devices, most notably serving as the engine for the early 2015 MacBook Air refresh. This processor represented Intel's push toward highly integrated, ultra-low power mobile computing. The delays in Broadwell forced many OEMs to stick with Haswell longer than planned, but when it finally launched, the i5-5350U delivered tangible battery life improvements.
It marked a crucial stepping stone for Intel's process technology, proving that 14 nm was viable for mass production, even as the company prepared to move on to the much more successful Skylake architecture.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Shrink from 22nm to 14nm process
- Improved HD Graphics 6000 over HD 5000
- Better thermal efficiency
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Today, the Core i5-5350U is strictly an end-of-life component and should not be considered for new builds. If you are purchasing a used laptop featuring this processor, it should only be for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and media consumption. It can be found at very low prices on the secondary market, making it a viable option for students or budget-conscious users needing a simple machine. However, its dual-core architecture struggles significantly with modern multitasking and heavy workloads. Ensure the device is priced appropriately for its age, as it lacks support for modern standards like DDR4 memory and PCIe 3.0. Avoid this chip if you intend to do any gaming, video editing, or intensive productivity work.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Need modern DDR4/DDR5 memory
- Playing modern games
- Video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was heavily used in the 2015 MacBook Air refresh.
Broadwell was significantly delayed, making its lifespan very short before Skylake arrived.
It features a configurable TDP down to 9.5W.
The HD 6000 graphics featured 24 execution units.
It uses the BGA 1168 socket, meaning it cannot be upgraded.
It supports Intel VT-d for virtualization.
The 14nm node used here became Intel's workhorse for several generations.
It lacks AVX-512 instructions.
It has a maximum memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.
The chip was manufactured exclusively by Intel.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i5-5350U good for gaming?
No, it only has Intel HD 6000 graphics, which is insufficient for modern 3D gaming.
What generation is the i5-5350U?
It is a 5th generation Intel Core processor, part of the Broadwell family.
Can I upgrade the i5-5350U?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard using the BGA 1168 socket.
Does the i5-5350U support Windows 11?
Officially no, as it is not on Microsoft's supported CPU list, though workarounds exist.
What is the TDP of the i5-5350U?
It has a default TDP of 15 Watts, configurable down to 9.5 Watts.
How much RAM does the i5-5350U support?
It supports up to 16GB of DDR3 memory.
Does the i5-5350U have hyper-threading?
Yes, it has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-5350U?
It can turbo boost up to 2.9 GHz.
Is the i5-5350U good for video editing?
No, it lacks the core count and GPU power for efficient video editing.
What socket does the i5-5350U use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of memory does the Core i5-5350U support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1866 MT/s.
What is the cache size of the i5-5350U?
It has 3 MB of L3 cache.
Does the i5-5350U support PCIe 3.0?
No, it only supports PCIe 2.0 with 12 lanes.
Can the i5-5350U play 4K video?
Yes, the integrated HD 6000 graphics can decode 4K video smoothly.
What is the base clock of the i5-5350U?
The base clock is 1.8 GHz.
Is the i5-5350U unlocked for overclocking?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the maximum operating temperature?
The maximum Tcase is 105°C.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
What was the launch price of the i5-5350U?
The launch price was $315.
When was the i5-5350U released?
It was released in March 2015.