Core i5-2550K vs Core i7-2760QM

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 i7-2760QM 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 i7-2760QM: 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 i7-2760QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2760QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,228 vs 4,313).
❌Launch MSRP is still $235 MSRP, while Core i7-2760QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2760QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2760QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-2550K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2760QM better than Core i5-2550K?

Yes. Core i7-2760QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 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 i7-2760QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.2% 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 i7-2760QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2760QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2760QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $235 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2550K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (18.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2550K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2550K vs Core i7-2760QM 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 i7-2760QM

The Core i7-2760QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,313 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2550K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2760QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2760QM — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2550K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2550K scores 4,228 against the Core i7-2760QM's 4,313 — a 2% lead for the Core i7-2760QM. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2760QM.

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i7-2760QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+9%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,228	4,313+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,058	—
Geekbench 6 Single	707	—
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 i7-2760QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. 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 HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2760QM).

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i7-2760QM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
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 true (Core i7-2760QM). The Core i7-2760QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-2550K requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2760QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.