CPU
GPU
Core i5-3340
Core i5-2550K
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 i5-3340 is positioned at rank 720 and the Core i5-2550K is on rank 841, so the Core i5-3340 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3340
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2550K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3340 | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($46) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3340 | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+208%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($46) |
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 i5-3340 and Core i5-2550K
Core i5-3340
The Core i5-3340 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2013 (12 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,249 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3340 and Core i5-2550K share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3340 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2550K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-2550K is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3340 scores 4,249 against the Core i5-2550K's 4,228 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3340. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-3340 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K.
| Feature | Core i5-3340 | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.4 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 6144 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | — | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,249 | 4,228 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 4,058 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 707 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,010 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i5-3340 | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3340) / Yes (Core i5-2550K).
| Feature | Core i5-3340 | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3340 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i5-2550K debuted at $235. At current prices ($15 vs $46), the Core i5-3340 is $31 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3340 delivers 283.3 pts/$ vs 91.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-2550K — making the Core i5-3340 the 102% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3340 | Core i5-2550K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-23% | $235 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-67% | $46 |
| Performance per Dollar | 283.3+208% | 91.9 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2012 |
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