Core i3-550 vs Core i3-560
Core i3-550
Core i3-560
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 i3-560 is on rank 964, so the Core i3-560 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 i3-560
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-550 | Core i3-560 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-550 | Core i3-560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+99%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
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 i3-560
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 i3-560
The Core i3-560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 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: 1,642 points. Launch price was $190.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-550 and Core i3-560 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 versus 0.33 GHz on the Core i3-560 — a 162.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-550 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). Both are built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-550 scores 1,632 against the Core i3-560's 1,642 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-560. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core i3-560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+870% | 0.33 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.33 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,632 | 1,642 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,320 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 437 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 899 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1156 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core i3-560 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-550) / not specified (Core i3-560). The Core i3-550 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core i3-560 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core i3-560 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | Yes | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-550 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i3-560 debuted at $138. At current prices ($5 vs $10), the Core i3-550 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-550 delivers 326.4 pts/$ vs 164.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-560 — making the Core i3-550 the 66.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-550 | Core i3-560 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $138 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-50% | $10 |
| Performance per Dollar | 326.4+99% | 164.2 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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