Core i5-3550 vs Ryzen 7 5800X
Core i5-3550
Popular choices:
Ryzen 7 5800X
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. The Core i5-3550 is positioned at rank #694 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 5800X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3550 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3550 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 Ryzen 7 5800X
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.
Ryzen 7 5800X
The Ryzen 7 5800X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 27,712 points. Launch price was $449.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3550 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 5800X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X — a 23.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5800X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i5-3550 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3550 scores 4,778 against the Ryzen 7 5800X's 27,712 — a 141.2% lead for the Ryzen 7 5800X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 16+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz+27% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 32 MB+433% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-68% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 4,778 | 27,712+480% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 24 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3550) / AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5800X). Primary use case: Ryzen 7 5800X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3550 launched at $194 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 5800X debuted at $449. At current prices ($30 vs $180), the Core i5-3550 is $150 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550 delivers 159.3 pts/$ vs 154.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 5800X — making the Core i5-3550 the 3.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3550 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $194-57% | $449 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-83% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 159.3+3% | 154.0 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2020 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-3550 and Ryzen 7 5800X
