FX-6330 vs Core i5-3550S
FX-6330
Core i5-3550S
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The FX-6330 is positioned at rank 494 and the Core i5-3550S is on rank 758, so the FX-6330 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-6330
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-6330 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-6330 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+299%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 FX-6330 and Core i5-3550S
FX-6330
The FX-6330 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,433 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
The FX-6330 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i5-3550S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-6330 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-6330 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S — a 12.7% clock advantage for the FX-6330 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The FX-6330 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3550S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6330 scores 4,433 against the Core i5-3550S's 4,442 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3550S. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-6330 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3550S.
| Feature | FX-6330 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+14% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6144 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,433 | 4,442 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 619 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-6330 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3550S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-6330 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-6330) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S). The Core i5-3550S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the FX-6330 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.
| Feature | FX-6330 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| 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
The FX-6330 launched at $109 MSRP, while the Core i5-3550S debuted at $205. At current prices ($25 vs $100), the FX-6330 is $75 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6330 delivers 177.3 pts/$ vs 44.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3550S — making the FX-6330 the 119.9% better value option.
| Feature | FX-6330 | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $109-47% | $205 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-75% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.3+299% | 44.4 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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