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 Pentium 3556U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,072 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium 3556U is positioned at rank #253 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 3556U

#241

Atom x5-Z8300

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411%

#242

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

405%

#243

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

371%

#244

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

370%

#245

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

366%

#247

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

354%

#248

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

339%

#249

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

339%

#250

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

330%

#253

Pentium 3556U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 3556U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 3556U specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 3556U 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 1.7 GHz from a base frequency of 1.7 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 1,072, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium 3556U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.7 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	1,072

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 3556U fits into the FCBGA1168 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium 3556U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1168
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 3556U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium 3556U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #253 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3028 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 3556U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#253
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3028
Release DateLaunch date	2007-01-01
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel