CPU
GPU
Processor N95
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 Processor N95 is positioned at rank 695 and the Core i5-3550 is on rank 694, so the Core i5-3550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Processor N95
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Processor N95 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Processor N95 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+166%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Processor N95 and Core i5-3550
Processor N95
The Processor N95 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 4,783 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 Processor N95 and Core i5-3550 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Processor N95 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Processor N95 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-3550 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N95 scores 4,783 against the Core i5-3550's 4,778 — a 0.1% lead for the Processor N95. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Processor N95 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.7 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 0.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+3200% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-N (2023) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,783 | 4,778 |
Memory & Platform
The Processor N95 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-3550 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Processor N95 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Processor N95 launched at $160 MSRP, while the Core i5-3550 debuted at $194. At current prices ($80 vs $30), the Core i5-3550 is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Processor N95 delivers 59.8 pts/$ vs 159.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3550 — making the Core i5-3550 the 90.8% better value option.
| Feature | Processor N95 | Core i5-3550 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $160-18% | $194 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80 | $30-63% |
| Performance per Dollar | 59.8 | 159.3+166% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2012 |
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