Core i3-3110M vs Phenom X4 9550

Core i3-3110M vs Phenom X4 9550 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3110M

2 / 4

1,656

0.0%

1,667

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-3110M vs Phenom X4 9550 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.

Core i3-3110M vs Phenom X4 9550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3110M

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom X4 9550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,656 vs 1,667).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom X4 9550

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3110M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X4 9550 better than Core i3-3110M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3110M is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X4 9550 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark. Core i3-3110M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X4 9550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom X4 9550 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom X4 9550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-3110M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3110M vs Phenom X4 9550 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3110M

The Core i3-3110M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,656 points. Launch price was $225.

Phenom X4 9550

The Phenom X4 9550 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,667 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3110M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9550 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9550 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-3110M versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9550 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-3110M. The Core i3-3110M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9550 uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3110M scores 1,656 against the Phenom X4 9550's 1,667 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom X4 9550. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3110M vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9550.

Feature	Core i3-3110M	Phenom X4 9550
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+9%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,656	1,667
Geekbench 6 Single	424	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	846	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3110M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9550 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3110M	Phenom X4 9550
Socket	PGA988	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-3110M) / not specified (Phenom X4 9550). The Core i3-3110M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom X4 9550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3110M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3110M rivals AMD A8-4500M.