CPU
GPU
Steam Deck OLED APU
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 Steam Deck OLED APU is positioned at rank 827 and the Core i5-3550S is on rank 758, so the Core i5-3550S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Steam Deck OLED APU
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Steam Deck OLED APU | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Van Gogh (Custom) (2023) / 6 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Steam Deck OLED APU | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 Steam Deck OLED APU and Core i5-3550S
Steam Deck OLED APU
The Steam Deck OLED APU is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 9 November 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Van Gogh (Custom) (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 6 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,457 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 Steam Deck OLED APU packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-3550S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Steam Deck OLED APU versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550S (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Steam Deck OLED APU uses the Van Gogh (Custom) (2023) architecture (6 nm), while the Core i5-3550S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Steam Deck OLED APU scores 4,457 against the Core i5-3550S's 4,442 — a 0.3% lead for the Steam Deck OLED APU. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Steam Deck OLED APU vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3550S.
| Feature | Steam Deck OLED APU | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 6144 kB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 6 nm-73% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Van Gogh (Custom) (2023) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,457 | 4,442 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 619 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Steam Deck OLED APU) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S). The Core i5-3550S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Steam Deck OLED APU requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.
| Feature | Steam Deck OLED APU | 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 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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