CPU
GPU
Core i3-550
Athlon X2 QL-65
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
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. The Core i3-550 is positioned at rank 965 and the Athlon X2 QL-65 is on rank 1056, so the Core i3-550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-550
Performance Per Dollar Athlon X2 QL-65
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-550 | Athlon X2 QL-65 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lion (2008−2009) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-550 | Athlon X2 QL-65 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+341%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-550 and Athlon X2 QL-65
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.
Athlon X2 QL-65
The Athlon X2 QL-65 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,630 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-550 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon X2 QL-65's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 versus 2.1 GHz on the Athlon X2 QL-65 — a 41.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-550. The Core i3-550 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon X2 QL-65 uses Lion (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-550 scores 1,632 against the Athlon X2 QL-65's 1,630 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-550. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-550 vs 0 kB on the Athlon X2 QL-65.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Athlon X2 QL-65 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+52% | 2.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Lion (2008−2009) |
| PassMark | 1,632 | 1,630 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,320 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 437 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 899 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-550 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon X2 QL-65 uses S1g2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-550 versus DDR2-667 on the Athlon X2 QL-65 — the Core i3-550 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-550 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-550) vs 0 (Athlon X2 QL-65) — the Core i3-550 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i3-550) and AMD S1 (Athlon X2 QL-65).
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Athlon X2 QL-65 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | S1g2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-550) / not specified (Athlon X2 QL-65). The Core i3-550 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Athlon X2 QL-65 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Athlon X2 QL-65 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | Yes | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-550 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Athlon X2 QL-65 debuted at $150. At current prices ($5 vs $22), the Core i3-550 is $17 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-550 delivers 326.4 pts/$ vs 74.1 pts/$ for the Athlon X2 QL-65 — making the Core i3-550 the 126% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Athlon X2 QL-65 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-8% | $150 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-77% | $22 |
| Performance per Dollar | 326.4+340% | 74.1 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2009 |
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