Core i5-480M vs Turion II N550

Core i5-480M vs Turion II N550 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-480M

2 / 4

1,327

+0.9%

1,315

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i5-480M vs Turion II N550 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 i5-480M vs Turion II N550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Turion II N550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $81 MSRP, while Turion II N550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Turion II N550

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,315 vs 1,327).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-480M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-480M better than Turion II N550?

Yes. Core i5-480M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-480M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i5-480M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-480M is the better buy right now. Core i5-480M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $81 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-480M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-480M vs Turion II N550 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

Turion II N550

The Turion II N550 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,315 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-480M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II N550's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M versus 2.6 GHz on the Turion II N550 — a 11.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-480M. The Core i5-480M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion II N550 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-480M scores 1,327 against the Turion II N550's 1,315 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-480M.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Turion II N550
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+13%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,327	1,315

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-480M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion II N550 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Turion II N550
Socket	PGA988	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-480M) / not specified (Turion II N550). The Core i5-480M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Turion II N550 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.