CPU
GPU
N250
Core i5-3550
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 N250 is positioned at rank 133 and the Core i5-3550 is on rank 694, so the N250 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar N250
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | N250 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | N250 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 N250 and Core i5-3550
N250
The N250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 4,773 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
Both the N250 and Core i5-3550 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the N250 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the N250. The Core i5-3550 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the N250 scores 4,773 against the Core i5-3550's 4,778 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3550. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N250 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550.
| Feature | N250 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+3% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-68% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | — | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,773 | 4,778 |
Memory & Platform
The N250 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-3550 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | N250 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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