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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-3550 is positioned at rank #694 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

12656%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

11959%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

8683%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2616%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2072%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1813%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1038%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1025%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

933%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

933%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

922%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

898%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

885%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

881%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

873%

#694

Core i5-3550

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

100%

#695

Core i3-7300

MSRP: $184|Avg: $46

100%

#696

FX-4300

MSRP: $122|Avg: $25

100%

#697

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

100%

#698

Celeron G550

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

100%

#700

Core i3-4370T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

99%

#701

FX-6200

MSRP: $169|Avg: $25

99%

#702

FX-4150

MSRP: $137|Avg: $20

99%

#703

Core i5-2450P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $30

98%

#704

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

98%

#705

Core i5-4430S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $90

98%

#706

Core i5-4440S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

97%

#709

Core i3-4360T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-3550 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3550 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-3550 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,778, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-3550
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,778

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3550 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i5-3550
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3550 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 77 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-3550
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	77 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $194), the Core i5-3550 delivers 159 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #694 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1902 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-3550
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$194
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$205
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#694
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1902
Release DateLaunch date	29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel