Core i5-3550 vs Core i7-8665UE
Core i5-3550
Core i7-8665UE
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 i5-3550 is positioned at rank 694 and the Core i7-8665UE is on rank 1037, so the Core i5-3550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8665UE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3550 | Core i7-8665UE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($409) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3550 | Core i7-8665UE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1243%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($409) |
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 i5-3550 and Core i7-8665UE
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.
Core i7-8665UE
The Core i7-8665UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,852 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3550 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-8665UE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-8665UE — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-8665UE (base: 3.3 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i5-3550 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-8665UE uses Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3550 scores 4,778 against the Core i7-8665UE's 4,852 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-8665UE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8665UE.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Core i7-8665UE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.4 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+94% | 1.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,778 | 4,852+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8665UE uses FCBGA1528 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Core i7-8665UE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FCBGA1528 |
| 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: not specified (Core i5-3550) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-8665UE). The Core i7-8665UE includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 620), while the Core i5-3550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-8665UE targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Core i7-8665UE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 620 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3550 launched at $194 MSRP, while the Core i7-8665UE debuted at $409. At current prices ($30 vs $409), the Core i5-3550 is $379 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550 delivers 159.3 pts/$ vs 11.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-8665UE — making the Core i5-3550 the 172.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Core i7-8665UE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $194-53% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-93% | $409 |
| Performance per Dollar | 159.3+1239% | 11.9 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2018 |
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