Intel Core i5 3550S Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£20
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4501
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.7 GHz

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

4.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.0

Technical Score

10.0%

6.2

User score

Poor
4.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.4

Platform

1.0%

6.3

Integrated Graphics

Poor
6.2

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

1.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(4)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 2.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.6

    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

  • 1.6
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.5

    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

  • intel-core-i5-3550s
intel-core-i5-3550s

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3550S is a quad-core, quad-thread desktop processor from the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture featuring a 3.00 GHz base frequency and a 3.70 GHz max turbo frequency. It operates on the LGA1155 socket with a 65W TDP, 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache, and supports up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333/1600 memory. Key advantages include its lower power consumption compared to standard models, support for PCI Express 3.0, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 with Quick Sync Video technology. However, it lacks hyper-threading, has an average operating temperature limit of 69.1°C, and features a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 3550S

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.4

Platform

1.0%

6.3

Integrated Graphics

4.0
Intel Core i5 3550S has a technical score of 3.97 points, which is lower than that of 82.2% of products in this category.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

1.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(4)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.2
Intel Core i5 3550S has a user score of 6.2 points, which is lower than that of 98% of products in this category.
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.
1.5
Intel Core i5 3550S has a popularity of 1.5 points, which is higher than 73.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.9
Intel Core i5 3550S has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 69.8% of products in this category.
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

desktop
Intel Core i5 3550S belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
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

LGA1155
Intel Core i5 3550S uses the LGA1155 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 53.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
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

x86-64
Intel Core i5 3550S uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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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+

4
Intel Core i5 3550S has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
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+

4
Intel Core i5 3550S offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
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

1
Intel Core i5 3550S offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
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

3.7 GHz
Intel Core i5 3550S reaches a boost clock of 3.7 GHz which is lower than that of 72.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
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

4 x 3.0 GHz
Intel Core i5 3550S has a base clock of 4x3.0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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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

22 nm
Intel Core i5 3550S uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
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

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i5 3550S is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
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

6 MB
Intel Core i5 3550S has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
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

1 MB
Intel Core i5 3550S has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
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

256 KB
Intel Core i5 3550S has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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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

DDR3
Intel Core i5 3550S supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
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

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i5 3550S supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
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

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i5 3550S supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
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

32 GB
Intel Core i5 3550S supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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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

yes
Intel Core i5 3550S includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
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

Intel HD Graphics 2500
Intel Core i5 3550S uses the Intel HD Graphics 2,500 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 72.7% and equal to that in 1.2%.
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

6
Intel Core i5 3550S has 6 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 83.8% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
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

650 MHz
Intel Core i5 3550S has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
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

VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 3550S supports VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 82.1% of processors and equal to 3.6% of processors.
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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

65 W
Intel Core i5 3550S has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
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

65 W
Intel Core i5 3550S has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
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

?
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

1 seconds
Intel Core i5 3550S has a turbo duration of 1 seconds which is longer than that of 96.4% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% of processors.
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

no
Intel Core i5 3550S does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 3550S vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S 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
  • 12.5x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 3550S is cheaper than the average processor (£20 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 3550S is cheaper than the average processor (£20 vs £250).£20 vs £250
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i5 3550S supports HMP, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Uses heterogeneous multi-processing to coordinate different core types together.
    When it matters: When hybrid-core scheduling behavior matters for efficiency, workload balancing, or lower-level software behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 3550S supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 52.9% more popular
    Intel Core i5 3550S is more popular than the average processor (1.53 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 3550S is more popular than the average processor (1.53 vs 1,000).1.53 vs 1
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S 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 HMP
    Intel Core i5 3550S supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 3550S has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
    April 2,012
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 57.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (619 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 14% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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.
  • 21.3% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,954 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 63.3% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,759 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 3550S has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 57.3% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,501 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 3550S does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 3550S supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 75% less memory per DIMM
    Intel Core i5 3550S has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (8 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
  • 75% fewer GPU execution units
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 2,500 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 3550S does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 27 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (1 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 57.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (619 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 3550S has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (619 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.619 vs 1,471
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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 3550S 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
  • 21.3% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,954 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 3550S has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,954 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,954 vs 2,483
  • 63.3% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,759 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 3550S has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,759 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,759 vs 4,793
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 57.3% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 3550S has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,501 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 3550S has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,501 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,501 vs 10,532.5
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 3550S 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 3550S does not support multithreading, the average processor does.

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 3550S and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 3550S?

  • High value for money due to affordable used pricing
  • Energy efficient with a 65W TDP making it suitable for low-power builds
  • Reliable and durable performance for general office work and browsing
  • Capable of handling light to intermediate gaming when paired with a discrete GPU
  • Stays relatively cool and does not overheat easily under standard workloads
  • Decent turbo boost speed up to 3.7 GHz for its generation

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 3550S?

  • Outdated Ivy Bridge architecture (released in 2012)
  • Locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking
  • Weak integrated graphics (Intel HD 2500) unsuitable for modern gaming
  • Lack of Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded performance compared to i7 models
  • Only supports older DDR3 memory, limiting modern system upgrades
  • Struggles with modern, CPU-intensive applications and high-end video editing

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
March 2026 (Updated Daily)

The Intel Core i5-3550S is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core processor (3.0–3.7 GHz) designed for LGA 1155, featuring a 65W TDP for increased efficiency over standard models. Pros include strong single-thread performance for its era, PCIe 3.0 support, and a low thermal profile suitable for compact builds, though it is limited by a locked multiplier, lacking overclocking capability, and...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
March 2026 (Updated Daily)

The Intel Core i5-3550S is a power-optimized, quad-core Ivy Bridge desktop processor for the LGA 1155 socket, featuring a 3.0 GHz base clock with 3.7 GHz boost capabilities and 6 MB L3 cache. Operating on a 65W TDP, it offers significant energy efficiency over standard models, making it suitable for small form factor systems and offering stable, reliable performance for basic...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
21/05/2012

This Tom's Hardware review evaluates the efficiency of Intel's third-gen Ivy Bridge low-power CPUs (65W 3550S and 45W 3570T) against standard 77W models, finding they offer identical pricing to standard chips with strict thermal limits for small-form-factor builds. However, the analysis reveals lower real-world efficiency compared to higher-power counterparts, as the lower-clocked...Read more

H
hardware-mag.de
23/04/2012

The Intel Core i7-3770K, based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, features 3D Tri-Gate transistors, offering improved efficiency with a lower 77W TDP and superior integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics compared to Sandy Bridge [1.1]. While CPU performance gains are modest at 5-10%, the processor shines in power efficiency and introduces native USB 3.0 and PCIe 3.0 support [1.1]. Key...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
23/04/2012

The Hardwareluxx review of Intel's 2012 Ivy Bridge lineup, featuring the Core i7-3770K and various i5 models, highlights the transition to a 22nm manufacturing process and 3D "Tri-Gate" transistors. This "Tick" focuses on efficiency and a revamped HD Graphics 4000, while offering native support for USB 3.0 and PCI-Express 3.0 on the Z77 chipset. Pros include a reduced 77W TDP,...Read more

C
computerbase.de
23/04/2012

Intel's Ivy Bridge architecture acts as a 22nm die shrink of Sandy Bridge, introducing 3D Tri-Gate transistors that significantly reduce power leakage while packing roughly 1.4 billion transistors into a 160mm² die. While CPU-specific performance gains are incremental (about 5-10% faster), the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics offer a substantial up to 60% performance leap, coupled...Read more

P
pcgameshardware.de
15/05/2012

The Intel Core i5-3550S review on PC Games Hardware outlines the 3rd-gen "Ivy Bridge" chip as a 65W TDP, 3.0 GHz quad-core processor focused on thermal efficiency for small form-factor systems. Performance remains competitive for productivity, though the locked multiplier prevents significant overclocking, which serves as a notable con for enthusiasts. While the integrated HD 2500...Read more

C
cowcotland.com
01/06/2012

The Intel Core i5-3550S is a 22nm "Ivy Bridge" quad-core processor designed for energy efficiency, featuring a 65W TDP, a 3.0 GHz base clock, and a 3.7 GHz Turbo Boost. It serves as a power-optimized variant of the standard i5-3550, offering reduced heat output ideal for compact desktops while supporting DDR3-1600 memory and PCIe 3.0. Performance-wise, the chip delivers strong...Read more

C
cowcotland.com
01/06/2012

The Intel Core i5-3550S is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core processor designed for efficiency, operating at a 3.0 GHz base clock with a 3.7 GHz boost while keeping a 65W TDP. Cowcotland highlights its impressive performance-per-watt, often outperforming older, higher-power "K" series processors in synthetic benchmarks, making it ideal for compact, low-heat systems. While offering solid...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
30/03/2026

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, featured in this CPU-Z validator, is a 20-core (8 E) "Arrow Lake" processor operating at up to 5.5 GHz, yielding roughly 919 single-core and 16,274 multi-core points. It outperforms the i7-14700K by ~2% in single-threaded and ~10% in multi-threaded tasks, showcasing strong productivity gains through new Skymont efficiency cores. Pros include improved...Read more

T
tomshw.it
30/05/2012

This Tom's Hardware review analyzes the efficiency and performance of Intel's 22nm Ivy Bridge lineup, specifically comparing the Core i5-3570K, 3550, 3550S, and 3570T. The 3rd Gen processors offer improved performance per watt and better integrated graphics (HD 4000 in the 3570K) compared to Sandy Bridge, yet they exhibit high heat density under load. While low-power 'S' and 'T'...Read more

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