Core i5-3550S vs Core i5-4670T

Intel

Core i5-3550S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4670T

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-3550S vs Core i5-4670T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-3550S vs Core i5-4670T 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 i5-3550S vs Core i5-4670T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3550S

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Core i5-4670T needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4670T.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,442 vs 4,488).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.7 vs 23.7 PassMark/$ ($205 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i5-4670T

2013

Why buy it

  • +1% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $16 less on MSRP ($189 MSRP vs $205 MSRP).
  • Delivers 9.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.7 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $205 MSRP).
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3550S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3550S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4670T better than Core i5-3550S?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3550S is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4670T pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4670T 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 i5-4670T is the better buy right now. Core i5-4670T comes in $16 cheaper on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $205 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-3550S is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.6% better value on MSRP (23.7 vs 21.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4670T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3550S vs Core i5-4670T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-3550S

The Core i5-3550S 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 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,442 points. Launch price was $350.

Intel

Core i5-4670T

The Core i5-4670T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,488 points. Launch price was $220.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3550S and Core i5-4670T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4670T — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550S (base: 3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-3550S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4670T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3550S scores 4,442 against the Core i5-4670T's 4,488 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-4670T. Both processors carry 6144 kB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-3550SCore i5-4670T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+12%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+30%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
6144 kB (total)
6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
4,442
4,488+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
619
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3550S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4670T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3550SCore i5-4670T
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S) / not specified (Core i5-4670T). The Core i5-3550S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-4670T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.

FeatureCore i5-3550SCore i5-4670T
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3550S was priced at $205, while the Core i5-4670T came in at $189. On launch pricing ($205 vs $189), Core i5-4670T was $16 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550S delivers 21.7 pts/$ vs 23.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-4670T — making the Core i5-4670T the 9.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3550SCore i5-4670T
MSRP
$205
$189-8%
Performance per Dollar
21.7
23.7+9%
Release Date
2012
2013

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