Core i5-3550 vs N200

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 i5-3550 vs N200 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 i5-3550 vs N200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3550

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌
0.5% HIGHER MSRP
$194 MSRPvs$193 MSRP
❌1183.3% higher power demand at 77W vs 6W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1155, while N200 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

N200

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $1 less on MSRP ($193 MSRP vs $194 MSRP).
✅Draws 6W instead of 77W, a 71W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1155 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3550 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,729 vs 4,778).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3550 better than N200?

Yes. Core i5-3550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.5% 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 i5-3550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3550 is the better buy right now. Core i5-3550 comes in 0.5% more expensive on MSRP at $194 MSRP versus $193 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.5% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 24.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

N200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2012) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-3550 vs N200 Technical Specifications

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

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.

N200

The N200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 4,729 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3550 and N200 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 versus 3.7 GHz on the N200 — identical boost frequencies. The Core i5-3550 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3550 scores 4,778 against the N200's 4,729 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-3550. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550 vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N200.

Feature	Core i5-3550	N200
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	Intel 7 nm-68%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	4,778+1%	4,729

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the N200 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3550	N200
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3550 was priced at $194, while the N200 came in at $193. On launch pricing ($194 vs $193), N200 was $1 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550 delivers 24.6 pts/$ vs 24.5 pts/$ for the N200 — making the Core i5-3550 the 0.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3550	N200
MSRP	$194	$193
Performance per Dollar	24.6	24.5
Release Date	2012	2023

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