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Overview

The Pentium 3550M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,327 points. Launch price was $134.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium 3550M is positioned at rank #293 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 Pentium 3550M

#83

Core i7-13700HX

MSRP: $485|Avg: N/A

100%

#86

Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

99%

#281

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

442%

#282

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

436%

#283

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

400%

#284

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

398%

#285

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

395%

#287

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

381%

#288

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

365%

#289

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

365%

#290

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

355%

#293

Pentium 3550M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 3550M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 3550M specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 3550M is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,327, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium 3550M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,327

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 3550M fits into the PGA946 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium 3550M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA946
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

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Power & Cooling

The Pentium 3550M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 37 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium 3550M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	37 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #293 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2878 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 3550M
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#293
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2878
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel