Core i5-2550K vs Core i5-6350HQ

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 i5-2550K vs Core i5-6350HQ 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 i5-2550K vs Core i5-6350HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2550K

2012

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6350HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (707 vs 803).
❌Lower PassMark (4,228 vs 4,255).
❌Launch MSRP is still $235 MSRP, while Core i5-6350HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6350HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6350HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅+13.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 580, while Core i5-2550K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2550K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6350HQ better than Core i5-2550K?

Yes. Core i5-6350HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6350HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i5-6350HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6350HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-6350HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $235 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2550K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (18.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-6350HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2550K vs Core i5-6350HQ Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-6350HQ

The Core i5-6350HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,255 points. Launch price was $306.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2550K and Core i5-6350HQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6350HQ — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2550K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-2550K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2550K scores 4,228 against the Core i5-6350HQ's 4,255 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-6350HQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 707 vs 803, a 12.7% lead for the Core i5-6350HQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6350HQ.

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i5-6350HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+19%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+48%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,228	4,255
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,058	—
Geekbench 6 Single	707	803+14%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,010	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2550K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-2550K versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6350HQ — the Core i5-6350HQ supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6350HQ 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: Z77,Z75,Q77,H77,Q75,B75,Z68,P67,H67,Q67,B65,H61 (Core i5-2550K) and Skylake-H (Core i5-6350HQ).

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i5-6350HQ
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2550K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6350HQ). The Core i5-6350HQ includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 580), while the Core i5-2550K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6350HQ targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6350HQ rivals FX-9830P.