A8-5545M vs Core i3-550

A8-5545M vs Core i3-550 Performance Spectrum

A8-5545M

4 / 4

1,628

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-550

2 / 4

1,632

+0.2%

About PassMark

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.

A8-5545M vs Core i3-550 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-5545M vs Core i3-550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-5545M

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 73W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (288 vs 437).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (786 vs 899).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-550.

Core i3-550

2010

Why buy it

✅+51.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike A8-5545M.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while A8-5545M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌192% higher power demand at 73W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-550 better than A8-5545M?

Yes. Core i3-550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 14.4% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.2% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 14.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-550 is the better buy right now. Core i3-550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A8-5545M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-5545M vs Core i3-550 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A8-5545M

The A8-5545M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FP2. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,628 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i3-550

The Core i3-550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,632 points. Launch price was $101.

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Processing Power

The A8-5545M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-550 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5545M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the A8-5545M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-550 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The A8-5545M uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-550 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5545M scores 1,628 against the Core i3-550's 1,632 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-550. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 288 vs 437, a 41.1% lead for the Core i3-550 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 786 vs 899 (13.4% advantage for the Core i3-550). L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5545M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-550.

Feature	A8-5545M	Core i3-550
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+19%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+88%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,628	1,632
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,320
Geekbench 6 Single	288	437+52%
Geekbench 6 Multi	786	899+14%

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Memory & Platform

The A8-5545M uses the FP2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-550 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SoC (A8-5545M) and H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i3-550).

Feature	A8-5545M	Core i3-550
Socket	FP2	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-5545M) vs Yes (Core i3-550). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8510G (A8-5545M) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-550) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-5545M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-5545M rivals Core i3-4000M.