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Intel Core i5 3550 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£9
PassMark benchmark result: 4787
N. of physical cores: 4
CPU boost clock speed: 3.7 GHz

Intel Core i5 3550 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Poor

4.0

Poor

8.0

Excellent

2.5
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
2.9
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
1.7
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
3.7
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.8
L3 cache
8.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
1.4
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
1.0
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
20.0%
1.6
CPU threads
15.0%
1.8
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3550 is a mid-range quad-core desktop processor from the 22nm Ivy Bridge generation, featuring a 3.3 GHz base frequency and a 3.7 GHz max turbo speed. It operates on the LGA 1155 socket with a 77W TDP and includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache, 4 threads, and support for up to 32GB of DDR3-1333/1600 memory. Its main pros include strong single-core performance for its era, high energy efficiency due to 3D transistors, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 for basic visual tasks. However, it lacks hyper-threading, has a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking, and its integrated GPU is insufficient for modern or demanding gaming.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 3550

Overall score

4.4

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.4

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

?

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

3.3

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

4.0

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

4.5

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

6.4

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

6.9

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

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Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i5 3550 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 3550 better than the average processor?

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Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 3550 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 3550 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 3550 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 3550 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
5 °C higher TJ Max
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=100 °C
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
6.71x more popular
Intel Core i5 3550 is more popular than the average processor (6.71 vs 1,000).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Intel Core i5 3550 is more popular than the average processor (6.71 vs 1,000).6.71 vs 1
27.78x cheaper
Intel Core i5 3550 is cheaper than the average processor (£9 vs £250).
Intel Core i5 3550 is cheaper than the average processor (£9 vs £250).£9 vs £250
0.3% higher user score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.02 vs 8,000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.02 vs 8,000).8.02 vs 8
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=350 MHz
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 3550 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 3550 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
5 °C higher TJ Max
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i5 3550 worse than the average processor?

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8 year/s older release date
Intel Core i5 3550 has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
April 2,012
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i5 3550 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i5 3550 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
56.4% lower single-core score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (642 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
86.6% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (643 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
14% lower boost clock
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
20.1% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,983 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 3550 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
54.6% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,787 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
4 fewer CPU threads
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
37.5% lower bus speed
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
60% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i5 3550 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i5 3550 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i5 3550 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
33.3% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
71.7% fewer transistors
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
25% smaller L3 cache
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
Less advanced foundry
Intel Core i5 3550 uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i5 3550 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
50% less memory capacity
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
75% fewer GPU execution units
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (6 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
Inferior integrated GPU
Intel Core i5 3550 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 2,500 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
71.1% higher base power
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 3550 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
71.1% higher TDP
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher TDP than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
27 seconds shorter turbo duration
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (1 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
56.4% lower single-core score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (642 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (642 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.642 vs 1,471
86.6% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (643 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (643 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.643 vs 4,793
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i5 3550 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
14% lower boost clock
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
20.1% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,983 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,983 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,983 vs 2,483
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i5 3550 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 3550 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 3550 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
54.6% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,787 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i5 3550 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,787 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,787 vs 10,532.5

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 3550 and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 3550?

Solid performance for daily tasks, office work, and smooth 1080p web browsing
Capable of handling popular games like GTA V and CS:GO when paired with a dedicated GPU
Excellent value for money, especially in the used market for budget builds
Improved energy efficiency and lower power consumption compared to the previous Sandy Bridge generation
Reliable performance for mid-range gaming and multitasking during its peak years
Runs cooler than many contemporary processors of its time

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 3550?

Considered obsolete for modern AAA gaming and heavy multitasking as of 2024-2026
Integrated Intel HD 2500 graphics are weak and unsuitable for serious gaming
Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking, limiting performance gains
Lacks Hyper-Threading (4 cores, 4 threads), which causes bottlenecks in modern software
Platform (LGA 1155) is outdated, making the rest of the system components harder to find or upgrade
Struggles with very high-resolution video streaming or modern CPU-intensive workloads

Expert reviews

tomshardware.com

28/05/2014

Benchmarked: How Well Does Watch Dogs Run On your PC?

Tom's Hardware's analysis of Watch Dogs on PC highlights a visually demanding, open-world title that requires significant CPU power to maintain stable frame rates, particularly recommending high-end Intel Core i7 processors. While praising the Disrupt engine's ability to scale across multiple cores, providing a "finished" experience, the review criticizes the heavy hardware load,...Read more

tomshardware.com

21/05/2012

Core i5-3570K, -3550, -3550S, And -3570T: Ivy Bridge Efficiency

Tom’s Hardware reviews the Ivy Bridge-based Intel Core i5-3570T (45 W) and i5-3550S (65 W), highlighting that these low-power CPUs strictly trade clock speed for reduced thermal envelopes, significantly lowering base and Turbo frequencies compared to the standard 77 W models. While efficient for single-threaded tasks, they fall behind in multi-threaded performance, and the review...Read more

tomshardware.com

23/12/2012

CPU Charts 2012: 86 Processors From AMD And Intel, Tested

This 2012 Tom’s Hardware review details the Intel desktop CPU landscape, highlighting the superior single-threaded performance and power efficiency of 22nm Ivy Bridge chips. A key strength noted is the dominant multi-threaded performance of high-end LGA 2011 processors (Core i7-3960X/3970X), which served as the performance benchmark for workstations. However, the review identifies...Read more

tomshardware.com

04/03/2013

Crysis 3 Performance, Benchmarked On 16 Graphics Cards

Tom's Hardware highlights Crysis 3 as a graphically unparalleled, "PC-oriented" masterpiece that effectively utilizes multi-core processors, allowing six-core CPUs to outperform standard quad-cores. Despite these strengths, the review notes a severe, persistent CPU bottleneck, even after patching, requiring high-end Intel i5 or i7 processors to avoid significant performance dips....Read more

tomshardware.com

08/05/2013

A Free-To-Play MMO? Neverwinter Performance, Benchmarked

Neverwinter’s performance on the Cryptic Engine is highly accessible, with entry-level GPUs like the Radeon HD 7750 or GTX 650 capable of running the game smoothly at 1080p high settings. However, maintaining 60 FPS at maximum settings requires significant GPU power and higher memory bandwidth, notes the Tom's Hardware review. The title excels in optimization, offering great visual...Read more

tomshardware.com

28/04/2013

Low Details, 1920x1080 - Dota 2 Performance, Benchmarked

This 2013 Tom's Hardware review of Dota 2 at 1080p and lowest detail settings highlights the game's exceptional accessibility, with budget hardware like the AMD Radeon HD 6450 and Nvidia GeForce GT 630 achieving playable frame rates above 30 FPS. The primary pros are the Source engine's efficiency and low barrier to entry, allowing modest systems to deliver a smooth experience....Read more

pcgameshardware.de

Laufend aktualisiert

Core i5 3550 still relevant

The Intel Core i5-3550, based on 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, offers a 3.3 GHz base clock and improved efficiency over previous generations. Pros include strong per-thread performance and low L3 cache latency, making it a capable, cost-effective option for 1080p gaming. Cons center on limited overclocking due to a locked multiplier and weak integrated HD 2500 graphics.

lesnumeriques.com

23/04/2012

Intel Core i5 3550 Review - Les Numériques

The Intel Core i5-3550 is a 22nm "Ivy Bridge" quad-core processor running at 3.3 GHz (3.7 GHz Turbo), offering improved efficiency over the previous Sandy Bridge generation with a 77W TDP. It delivers a roughly 16-17% performance increase over the i5-2500, performing well in multi-threaded tasks and office applications. While it supports PCIe 3.0 and DDR3-1600, it features a locked...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

23/04/2012

Intel Core i7-3770K, i5-3570K, and i5-3550 CPUs: The Ivy Bridge Generation - Les Numériques

The Intel Ivy Bridge (Core i7-3770K, i5-3570K, i5-3550) architecture utilizes 22nm "3D" Tri-Gate transistors to improve energy efficiency, offering a roughly 10% performance increase over the previous Sandy Bridge generation. While the top-tier 3770K features 4 cores/8 threads, the 3570K and 3550 provide robust quad-core performance with integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, which...Read more

clubic.com

01/06/2013

Intel Core i7 4770K: Haswell and 4th Gen Core (i5-3550 Benchmarks)

The Intel Core i7-4770K (Haswell) introduces a 4th-gen architecture focused on improved integrated graphics (HD 4600) and power efficiency, though it requires a new LGA 1150 motherboard. While delivering a modest 4-10% CPU performance increase over the Ivy Bridge i7-3770K, it excels in multimedia tasks and offers robust AVX2 instruction set support. Key pros include strong...Read more

hardware.fr

23/04/2012

Intel Core i7-3770K and i5-3570K: Ivy Bridge 22nm review (Focusing on the i5-3550 GPU) - HardWare.fr

This Hardware.fr review evaluates the 3D performance and power efficiency of Intel’s Ivy Bridge HD Graphics 4000 and 2500, highlighting a significant performance gap caused by the HD 4000 featuring 16 execution units (EUs) compared to the HD 2500's reduced 6 EUs. The HD 4000 offers substantial improvements over the previous generation, including DirectX 11 support and enhanced...Read more

clubic.com

17/10/2012

AMD A8/A10 Virgo vs Intel Core i3 Ivy Bridge - Clubic

The AMD Virgo platform, centered on the A10-5800K APU (Piledriver architecture), offers a strong, four-core alternative to Intel's Core i3-3220, particularly excelling in multi-threaded productivity tasks despite lagging in single-core performance. Its primary advantage is the integrated Radeon HD 7660D graphics, which delivers vastly superior, playable gaming performance compared...Read more

hwupgrade.it

23/04/2026

Intel Ivy Bridge: 3rd Generation Core CPUs

Intel's 3rd Generation Core architecture, known as Ivy Bridge, transitions the Sandy Bridge design to a 22nm process utilizing 3D Tri-Gate transistors, offering a 10–15% CPU performance boost and improved power efficiency. A major enhancement is the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, which provides up to 60% higher performance, native DirectX 11 support, and three-display...Read more

hardware.info

23/04/2012

Intel Core i5 3550 Processor - Hardware Info: Comparison with 'K' Variant Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-3550 is a 22nm Ivy Bridge desktop processor featuring four cores at a 3.3 GHz base frequency, offering improved efficiency through 3D Tri-Gate transistors and a 77W TDP. A primary pro is its adoption of PCIe 3.0 and DDR3-1600 support, delivering strong single-threaded performance for productivity. The CPU provides a capable experience for general computing, often...Read more

tweakers.net

30/08/2012

Intel Core i5 3550 Boxed - peter123 - Product reviews

This Tweakers.net user review of the Intel Core i5-3550 highlights its role as a power-efficient Ivy Bridge processor, featuring a 3.3 GHz base speed and 22nm architecture. Pros include strong performance in rendering and gaming, while the primary con is the weak integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500. While the locked multiplier limits overclocking compared to 'K-series' chips, it is...Read more

techzine.nl

23/04/2012

Intel Core i7 3770K (Ivy Bridge) Review - Page 2

The Intel Core i7-3770K review focuses on the transition to a 22nm manufacturing process with 3D Tri-Gate transistors, offering a modest 5–15% performance increase over Sandy Bridge, largely driven by a 3.5GHz base and 3.9GHz Turbo boost clock. Key improvements include the integrated HD Graphics 4000 with DirectX 11 support, which, while faster, remains inferior to dedicated gaming...Read more

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