Core i3-8100H vs Core i5-3550S

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 i3-8100H 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 i3-8100H 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 i3-8100H

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3550S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,435 vs 4,442).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3550S.

Core i5-3550S

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-8100H.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $205 MSRP, while Core i3-8100H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3550S better than Core i3-8100H?

Yes. Core i5-3550S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3550S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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 i5-3550S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3550S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3550S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $205 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8100H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8100H vs Core i5-3550S Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100H

The Core i3-8100H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 July 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,435 points. Launch price was $225.

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

Both the Core i3-8100H and Core i5-3550S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-8100H versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550S (base: 3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-8100H uses the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3550S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100H scores 4,435 against the Core i5-3550S's 4,442 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3550S. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i3-8100H vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3550S.

Feature	Core i3-8100H	Core i5-3550S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.7 GHz+23%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,435	4,442
Geekbench 6 Single	—	619

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100H uses the BGA1440 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 DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-8100H versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3550S — the Core i3-8100H supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8100H 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 i3-8100H	Core i5-3550S
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8100H) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8100H) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3550S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100H targets Mobile, Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.

Feature	Core i3-8100H	Core i5-3550S
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mobile	Legacy Desktop