Core i3-550 vs Core i3-2357M

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 i3-550 vs Core i3-2357M 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 i3-550 vs Core i3-2357M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-550

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-2357M.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i3-2357M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌329.4% higher power demand at 73W vs 17W.

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 73W, a 56W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (440 vs 1,320).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-550.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-550 better than Core i3-2357M?

Yes. Core i3-550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 200% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-550 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 146.2% higher max boost clock.

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 200% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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 $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% higher PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2357M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-550 vs Core i3-2357M Technical Specifications

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

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 i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-550 and Core i3-2357M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M — a 84.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-550 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i3-550 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2357M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-550 scores 1,632 against the Core i3-2357M's 1,645 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2357M. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 1,320 vs 440 (100% advantage for the Core i3-550). Multi-core Geekbench: 899 vs 440 (68.6% advantage for the Core i3-550). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-550 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M.

Feature	Core i3-550	Core i3-2357M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+146%	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+146%	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,632	1,645
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,320+200%	440
Geekbench 6 Single	437	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	899+104%	440

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-550 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2357M uses BGA1023 (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: H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i3-550) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i3-2357M).

Feature	Core i3-550	Core i3-2357M
Socket	LGA1156	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	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: Yes (Core i3-550) vs true (Core i3-2357M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-550) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2357M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.