Core i5-3550 vs FX-8140
Core i5-3550
FX-8140
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 FX-8140 is on rank 759, 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 FX-8140
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3550 | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3550 | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+293%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) |
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 FX-8140
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.
FX-8140
The FX-8140 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,860 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3550 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8140 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8140 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 versus 4.1 GHz on the FX-8140 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the FX-8140 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-3550 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8140 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3550 scores 4,778 against the FX-8140's 4,860 — a 1.7% lead for the FX-8140. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550 vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-8140.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+3% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8 MB+3100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,778 | 4,860+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8140 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3550 launched at $194 MSRP, while the FX-8140 debuted at $225. At current prices ($30 vs $120), the Core i5-3550 is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550 delivers 159.3 pts/$ vs 40.5 pts/$ for the FX-8140 — making the Core i5-3550 the 118.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $194-14% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-75% | $120 |
| Performance per Dollar | 159.3+293% | 40.5 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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