Core i3-6320 vs Core i5-3550S
Core i3-6320
Core i5-3550S
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 i3-6320 is positioned at rank 630 and the Core i5-3550S is on rank 758, so the Core i3-6320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6320
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6320 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6320 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+184%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 i3-6320 and Core i5-3550S
Core i3-6320
The Core i3-6320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,421 points. Launch price was $157.
Core i5-3550S
The Core i5-3550S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,442 points. Launch price was $350.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6320 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3550S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3550S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-6320 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-6320 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-6320 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3550S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6320 scores 4,421 against the Core i5-3550S's 4,442 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3550S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,311 vs 619, a 71.7% lead for the Core i3-6320 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-6320 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3550S.
| Feature | Core i3-6320 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+5% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+30% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6144 kB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,421 | 4,442 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,853 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,311+112% | 619 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,730 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-6320 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3550S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6320 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3550S — the Core i3-6320 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6320 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,H170,Z170,Q170,Q150,B150,B250,H270,Z270,Q270,Q250 (Core i3-6320) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-3550S).
| Feature | Core i3-6320 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-6320) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6320) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3550S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.
| Feature | Core i3-6320 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-6320 launched at $160 MSRP, while the Core i5-3550S debuted at $205. At current prices ($35 vs $100), the Core i3-6320 is $65 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6320 delivers 126.3 pts/$ vs 44.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3550S — making the Core i3-6320 the 95.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-6320 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $160-22% | $205 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35-65% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 126.3+184% | 44.4 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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