CPU
GPU
Core i3-7320
Core i5-3550
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 i3-7320 is positioned at rank 434 and the Core i5-3550 is on rank 694, so the Core i3-7320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7320
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i3-7320 and Core i5-3550
Core i3-7320
The Core i3-7320 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 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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: 4,831 points. Launch price was $157.
Core i5-3550
The Core i5-3550 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,778 points. Launch price was $205.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7320 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3550 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3550 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-7320 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7320 (base: 4.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i3-7320 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3550 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7320 scores 4,831 against the Core i5-3550's 4,778 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-7320. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7320 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550.
| Feature | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+11% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.1 GHz+24% | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,831+1% | 4,778 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,388 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7320 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3550 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7320) / not specified (Core i5-3550). The Core i3-7320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7320 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7320 rivals Ryzen 3 1300X.
| Feature | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7320 launched at $99 MSRP, while the Core i5-3550 debuted at $194. At current prices ($40 vs $30), the Core i5-3550 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7320 delivers 120.8 pts/$ vs 159.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3550 — making the Core i5-3550 the 27.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $99-49% | $194 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $30-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.8 | 159.3+32% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2012 |
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