CPU
GPU
Core i3-550
Core Duo T2500
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 Core Duo T2500 is on rank 943, so the Core Duo T2500 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 Core Duo T2500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-550 | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yonah (2005−2006) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-550 | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Core Duo T2500
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.
Core Duo T2500
The Core Duo T2500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Yonah (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 31 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,621 points. Launch price was $120.
Processing Power
The Core i3-550 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core Duo T2500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 versus 2 GHz on the Core Duo T2500 — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-550 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-550 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core Duo T2500 uses Yonah (2005−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-550 scores 1,632 against the Core Duo T2500's 1,621 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-550. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-550 vs 0 kB on the Core Duo T2500.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+60% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+60% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Yonah (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,632 | 1,621 |
| 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 Core Duo T2500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-550 versus DDR2-667 on the Core Duo T2500 — 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 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-550) vs 0 (Core Duo T2500) — the Core i3-550 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+300% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-550) vs VT-x (Core Duo T2500). The Core i3-550 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core Duo T2500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Duo T2500 targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core Duo T2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
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