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 i3-7100 vs Core i5-2550K 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 i3-7100 vs Core i5-2550K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7100

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $118 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Delivers 104.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.8 vs 18.0 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 95W, a 44W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-2550K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2550K.

Core i5-2550K

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-7100.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,228 vs 4,306).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.0 vs 36.8 PassMark/$ ($235 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌86.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 51W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100 better than Core i5-2550K?

Yes. Core i3-7100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-7100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-7100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7100 comes in $118 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $235 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 104.6% better value on MSRP (36.8 vs 18.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-2550K Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7100

The Core i3-7100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i5-2550K

The Core i5-2550K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,228 points. Launch price was $189.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2550K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2550K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2550K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i5-2550K's 4,228 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i3-7100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-2550K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+15%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,306+2%	4,228
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	4,058
Geekbench 6 Single	—	707
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,010

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2550K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-2550K — the Core i3-7100 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-2550K
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs Yes (Core i5-2550K). The Core i3-7100 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-2550K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-2550K
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7100 was priced at $117, while the Core i5-2550K came in at $235. On launch pricing ($117 vs $235), Core i3-7100 was $118 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 36.8 pts/$ vs 18.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2550K — making the Core i3-7100 the 68.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-2550K
MSRP	$117-50%	$235
Performance per Dollar	36.8+104%	18.0
Release Date	2017	2012

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