PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i5-3550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,778 points. Launch price was $205.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550

#95

FX-8120

MSRP: $205|Avg: $40

104%

#96

FX-6200

MSRP: $169|Avg: $25

103%

#97

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

103%

#98

Core i3-560

MSRP: $138|Avg: $10

103%

#99

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

102%

#100

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

MSRP: $74|Avg: $5

102%

#101

Core i7-4820K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $40

102%

#102

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

102%

#103

Ryzen 5 5600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $135

102%

#104

Core i5-14600KF

MSRP: $304|Avg: $239

102%

#105

Pentium G2120T

MSRP: $87|Avg: $10

101%

#106

Core i7-5960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $83

101%

#107

Ryzen 7 5800

MSRP: $349|Avg: $160

101%

#108

Core i3-14100F

MSRP: $109|Avg: $96

101%

#109

Ryzen 7 3700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $140

101%

#110

Core i5-3550

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

100%

#111

Ryzen 5 7600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $199

100%

#112

Ryzen 3 3100

MSRP: $99|Avg: $75

100%

#113

Core i5-6600T

MSRP: $213|Avg: $35

100%

#114

Core i5-3340S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $25

100%

#115

Celeron G1840T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

99%

#116

Core i3-4350T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $20

99%

#117

Core i5-13490F

MSRP: $235|Avg: $170

98%

#118

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

98%

#119

Ryzen 5 5600F

MSRP: $99|Avg: $129

98%

#120

Ryzen 9 PRO 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $200

98%

#121

Ryzen 3 4300GE

MSRP: $94|Avg: $72

98%

#122

Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE

MSRP: $169|Avg: $50

98%

#123

Core Ultra 5 225

MSRP: $240|Avg: $200

98%

#124

Core i5-11500

MSRP: $192|Avg: $110

98%

#125

Core i3-12100F

MSRP: $97|Avg: $90

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-3550 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3550 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-3550 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,778, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-3550
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,778

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3550 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i5-3550
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3550 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 77 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-3550
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	77 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $194), the Core i5-3550 delivers 159 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1902 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-3550
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$194
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$205
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1902
Release DateLaunch date	29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel