Core i5-3550S vs Core i5-6442EQ

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 i5-6442EQ 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 i5-6442EQ: 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

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $45 less on MSRP ($205 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 20.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.7 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($205 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Core i5-6442EQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,442 vs 4,483).
❌160% higher power demand at 65W vs 25W.

Core i5-6442EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 25W instead of 65W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3550S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.9 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $205 MSRP).
❌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 i5-6442EQ better than Core i5-3550S?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3550S is ahead with a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6442EQ pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6442EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6442EQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-6442EQ comes in 22.0% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $205 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark. Core i5-3550S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 20.8% better value on paper (21.7 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-6442EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 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 i5-6442EQ Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-6442EQ

The Core i5-6442EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3550S and Core i5-6442EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ — a 64.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550S. The Core i5-3550S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6442EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3550S scores 4,442 against the Core i5-6442EQ's 4,483 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-6442EQ. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3550S vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ.

Feature	Core i5-3550S	Core i5-6442EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+95%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,442	4,483
Geekbench 6 Single	619	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S) / not specified (Core i5-6442EQ). The Core i5-3550S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-6442EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.

Feature	Core i5-3550S	Core i5-6442EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3550S was priced at $205, while the Core i5-6442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($205 vs $250), Core i5-3550S was $45 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550S delivers 21.7 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-6442EQ — making the Core i5-3550S the 18.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3550S	Core i5-6442EQ
MSRP	$205-18%	$250
Performance per Dollar	21.7+21%	17.9
Release Date	2012	2015

Search Core i5-3550S on Amazon

Search Core i5-6442EQ on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.