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 i3-7101E vs Core i5-3550S 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 i3-7101E vs Core i5-3550S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7101E

2017

Why buy it

✅+101.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $88 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $205 MSRP).
✅Delivers 74.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.9 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $205 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 65W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,430 vs 4,442).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3550S.

Core i5-3550S

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-7101E.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (619 vs 1,250).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.7 vs 37.9 PassMark/$ ($205 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌20.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 54W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7101E better than Core i5-3550S?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7101E is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3550S pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i5-3550S also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3550S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-7101E is the better buy right now. Core i3-7101E comes in $88 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $205 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3550S is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 74.7% better value on MSRP (37.9 vs 21.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7101E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7101E vs Core i5-3550S Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7101E

The Core i3-7101E 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. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,430 points. Launch price was $117.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7101E 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 i3-7101E versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-7101E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3550S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101E scores 4,430 against the Core i5-3550S's 4,442 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-3550S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,250 vs 619, a 67.5% lead for the Core i3-7101E that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3550S.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	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	3 MB	6144 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,430	4,442
Geekbench 6 Single	1,250+102%	619

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101E 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 DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101E versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3550S — the Core i3-7101E supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7101E 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. Chipset compatibility: C236,C232,Q170,Q270 (Core i3-7101E) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-3550S).

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3550S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101E) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3550S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded, Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000; Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3550S
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Embedded	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7101E was priced at $117, while the Core i5-3550S came in at $205. On launch pricing ($117 vs $205), Core i3-7101E was $88 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7101E delivers 37.9 pts/$ vs 21.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-3550S — making the Core i3-7101E the 54.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3550S
MSRP	$117-43%	$205
Performance per Dollar	37.9+75%	21.7
Release Date	2017	2012

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