Core i3-7300T vs Core i5-2550K
Core i3-7300T
Core i5-2550K
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 i3-7300T is positioned at rank 593 and the Core i5-2550K is on rank 841, so the Core i3-7300T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7300T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2550K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7300T | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($46) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7300T | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+184%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($46) |
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 i3-7300T and Core i5-2550K
Core i3-7300T
The Core i3-7300T 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,145 points. Launch price was $147.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7300T 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 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-7300T versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2550K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-7300T 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 i3-7300T scores 4,145 against the Core i5-2550K's 4,228 — a 2% lead for the Core i5-2550K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,100 vs 707, a 43.5% lead for the Core i3-7300T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300T vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K.
| Feature | Core i3-7300T | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.8 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+3% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6144 kB (total)+50% |
| 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 | 4,145 | 4,228+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 4,058 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,100+56% | 707 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,010 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7300T 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 i3-7300T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-2550K — the Core i3-7300T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300T 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: B250,H270,Z270,Q250,Q270 (Core i3-7300T) and Z77,Z75,Q77,H77,Q75,B75,Z68,P67,H67,Q67,B65,H61 (Core i5-2550K).
| Feature | Core i3-7300T | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+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: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7300T) vs Yes (Core i5-2550K). The Core i3-7300T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-2550K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7300T rivals Ryzen 3 2200GE.
| Feature | Core i3-7300T | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7300T launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i5-2550K debuted at $235. At current prices ($128 vs $46), the Core i5-2550K is $82 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300T delivers 32.4 pts/$ vs 91.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2550K — making the Core i5-2550K the 95.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7300T | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-41% | $235 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $128 | $46-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.4 | 91.9+184% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2012 |
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