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 i3-7300T 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 i3-7300T 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 i3-7300T

2017

Why buy it

✅+55.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $97 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Delivers 66.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.0 vs 18.0 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-2550K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,145 vs 4,228).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-2550K

2012

Why buy it

✅+2% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (707 vs 1,100).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.0 vs 30.0 PassMark/$ ($235 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7300T better than Core i5-2550K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7300T is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 13 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2550K pulls ahead with 2% better PassMark. Core i5-2550K also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2550K is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i3-7300T is the better buy right now. Core i3-7300T comes in $97 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $235 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 13 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2550K is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2% better PassMark. It is also 66.9% better value on MSRP (30.0 vs 18.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7300T 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 i3-7300T vs Core i5-2550K Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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 50% 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 — 100% 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+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

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

At launch, the Core i3-7300T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-2550K came in at $235. On launch pricing ($138 vs $235), Core i3-7300T was $97 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300T delivers 30.0 pts/$ vs 18.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2550K — making the Core i3-7300T the 50.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-2550K
MSRP	$138-41%	$235
Performance per Dollar	30.0+67%	18.0
Release Date	2017	2012

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