Intel core i3 550 3.2 GHz games. Intel Core i3 processors for LGA1156


  • Applications. General comparison of processor performance

    • Introduction

    In the recent review "Small spool, but expensive. Review of Intel Pentium G6950" the Pentium G6950 processor was examined. In this material, the heroes are its older brothers - Core i3 550 and Core i5 650, which differ from it in a larger L3 cache - 4 MB, a higher frequency supported by the integrated DDR3 memory - 1333 MHz, a higher frequency of the integrated graphics core - 733 MHz and technology support Hyper Threading. In turn, the older model differs from the younger one in the presence of Turbo Boost technology, which gives it an advantage in single-threaded tasks.

    This pair's competitors included both dual- and quad-core processors Core 2 Quad Q9400, Core 2 Duo E8500, Phenom II X4 965 BE and Phenom II X2 555 BE. Undoubtedly, based on the test results, it will be possible to judge the real positioning of the Core i3 550 and Core i5 650 among such strong competitors in games.

    Test configuration

    Tests were carried out on the following stands:

    Stand No. 1:

    • Motherboard: ASRock P55 Extreme, BIOS v2.70
    • RAM:

    Stand No. 2:

    • Motherboard: GigaByte GA-EX38-DS4, BIOS F6с
    • RAM: 2 x 2048 MB DDR2 Hynix (Spec: 800 MHz / 5-5-5-15-2t / 1.9 V)

    Stand No. 3:

    • Motherboard: GigaByte GA-890FXA-UD7, BIOS F4
    • RAM: 2 x 2048 MB DDR3 Corsair (Spec: 1600 MHz / 8-8-8-20-1t / 1.65 V)

    Processors:

    • Core i5 650 - 3200 @ 4400 MHz
    • Core i3 550 - 3200 @ 4300 MHz
    • Core 2 Quad Q9400 - 2660 @ 3700 MHz
    • Core 2 Duo E8500 - 3160 @ 4300 MHz
    • Phenom II X4 965 BE - 3400 @ 4000 MHz
    • Phenom II X2 555 BE - 3200 @ 4000 MHz

    Other components:

    • Video card: GeForce GTX 480 1536 MB - 700/1400/3696 MHz (Palit)
    • CPU cooling system: Cooler Master V8 (~1100 rpm)
    • Disk subsystem: SATA-II 500 GB, WD 5000KS, 7200 rpm, 16 MB
    • Power unit: Corsair TX 950 Watt (standard fan: 140 mm intake)
    • Frame: open test bench
    • Monitor: 23" Acer V233H (Wide LCD, 1920x1080 / 60 Hz)

    Software:

    • Operating system: Windows 7 build 7600 RTM x64
    • Video card drivers: GeForce 260.89 WHQL

    Testing tools and methodology

    For a more clear comparison of processors, all games used as test applications were launched in resolutions of 1280x1024 and 1920x1080.

    The following games used performance measurement tools (benchmarks):

    • ARMA 2 (Benchmark No. 1)
    • Colin McRae DIRT 2 (Battle of Battersea - London)
    • Formula 1 2010 (Benchmark)
    • Grand Theft Auto 4 EFLC (Lost and Damned)
    • Lost Planet Colonies (Zone 1)
    • Mafia 2 (Benchmark)
    • R.U.S.E. (Benchmark)
    • World in Conflict: Soviet Assault (Coast)

    In these games, performance was measured using the FRAPS v3.2.1 build 11425 and AutoHotkey v1.0.48.05 utilities:

    Measured in all games minimum And average FPS values.

    In tests in which there was no possibility to measure minimum FPS, this value was measured by the FRAPS utility.

    VSync was disabled during testing.

    To avoid errors and minimize measurement errors, all tests were performed three to five times. When calculating the average FPS, the arithmetic mean of the results of all runs (three non-idle runs) was taken as the final result. The minimum value of the indicator based on the results of three runs was chosen as the minimum FPS.

    Intel Processor Specifications

    AMD processor specifications

    Overclocking processors

    The processors were overclocked as follows. The stability of overclocking was checked using the OSST 3.1.0 "Perestroika" utility by running the processor for half an hour on the maximum matrix with a forced 100% load. I agree that overclocking the tested processors is not absolutely stable, but for any modern game it is one hundred percent suitable.

    Core i5 650

    Regular mode. Clock frequency 3200 MHz, base frequency 133 MHz (133x24), DDR3 frequency - 1333 MHz (133x10), supply voltage 1.15 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V, Turbo Boost - enabled.

    3400 MHz - base frequency 142 MHz (142x24), DDR3 frequency - 1420 MHz (142x10), supply voltage 1.15 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V, Turbo Boost - enabled.

    The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4400 MHz. To achieve this, the base frequency was raised to 183 MHz (183x24), DDR3 frequency - 1830 MHz (183x10), supply voltage - up to 1.35 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V, Turbo Boost - enabled.

    Core i3 550

    Regular mode. Clock frequency 3200 MHz, base frequency 133 MHz (133x24), DDR3 frequency - 1333 MHz (133x10), supply voltage 1.15 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V.

    3400 MHz - base frequency 142 MHz (142x24), DDR3 frequency - 1420 MHz (142x10), supply voltage 1.15 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V.

    The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4300 MHz. To do this, the base frequency was raised to 180 MHz (180x24), the DDR3 frequency was 1800 MHz (180x10), the supply voltage was up to 1.35 V, the DDR3 supply voltage was 1.65 V.

    Core 2 Quad Q9400

    Regular mode. Clock frequency 2660 MHz, system bus frequency 333 MHz (333x8), DDR2 frequency - 1066 MHz (333x3.2), core supply voltage 1.29 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

    3400 MHz - system bus frequency 425 MHz (425x8), DDR2 frequency - 1063 MHz (425x2.5), core supply voltage 1.29 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

    The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 3700 MHz. To do this, the system bus frequency was raised to 463 MHz (463x8), the core supply voltage was up to 1.45 V, the DDR2 supply voltage was 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage was by 0.2 V, the northbridge voltage was by 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 1111 MHz (463x2.4).

    Core 2 Duo E8500

    Regular mode. Clock frequency 3160 MHz, system bus frequency 333 MHz (333x9.5), DDR2 frequency - 1066 MHz (333x3.2), core supply voltage 1.28 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

    3400 MHz - system bus frequency 358 MHz (358x9.5), DDR2 frequency - 1074 MHz (358x3), core supply voltage 1.28 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

    The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4300 MHz. To achieve this, the system bus frequency was raised to 453 MHz (453x9.5), the core supply voltage was increased to 1.45 V, the DDR2 supply voltage was 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage was 0.2 V, and the northbridge voltage was 0.1 V. DDR2 frequency was 1087 MHz (453x2.4).

    Phenom II X4 965 BE

    Regular mode. Clock frequency 3400 MHz, system bus frequency 200 MHz (200x17), memory controller frequency 2000 MHz (200x10), DDR3 frequency - 1333 MHz (200x6.66), core supply voltage 1.38 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V.

    The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4000 MHz. To achieve this, the bus frequency was raised to 235 MHz (235x17), the memory controller to 2585 MHz (235x11), the core supply voltage to 1.55 V, the DDR3 supply voltage to 1.65 V, the northbridge voltage to 0.1 V. The DDR3 frequency was 1565 MHz (235x6.66).

    Phenom II X2 555 BE

    Regular mode. Clock frequency 3200 MHz, system bus frequency 200 MHz (200x16), memory controller frequency 2000 MHz (200x10), DDR3 frequency - 1333 MHz (200x6.66), core supply voltage 1.31 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V.

    3400 MHz - bus frequency 213 MHz (213x16), memory controller frequency 2130 MHz (213x10), DDR3 frequency - 1418 MHz (213x6.66), core supply voltage 1.31 V, DDR3 supply voltage - 1.65 V.

    The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4000 MHz. To achieve this, the bus frequency was raised to 250 MHz (250x16), the memory controller to 2500 MHz (250x10), the core supply voltage to 1.53 V, the DDR3 supply voltage to 1.65 V, the northbridge voltage to 0.1 V. The DDR3 frequency was 1665 MHz (250x6.66).

    Let's move directly to the tests.

    Test results: performance comparison

    Arcania - Gothic 4 (Fishir)

    • Version 1.1
    • DirectX 9
      • texture quality - high
      • SSAO quality - high
      • light quality - high
      • shadow quality - ultra
      • dynamic shadows - world and geometry
      • shadows - world and geometry
      • quality of characters - high
      • the quality of the world is high
      • particle quality - high
      • exposure - incl.
      • glare - on
      • detail of faces - incl.
      • post-processing - incl.

    1280 x 1024



    1920 x 1080

    Please enable JavaScript to see graphs
    minimum and average FPS

    The newcomers quickly began their performance by claiming leadership in the game Arcania - Gothic 4, which places high demands on processor power. In this project, they were confidently ahead of their dual-core rivals and formed a strong opposition to quad-core CPUs, with one of the latter, namely the Core 2 Quad Q9400, letting them ahead.

    In internal competition, the Core i5 650 was ahead of the Core i3 550 by 2% - 3%.

    It is also worth noting that the GeForce GTX 480 video card significantly limited the performance of leading processors - this can be seen from the minimal increase in performance after overclocking.

    ARMA 2 (Benchmark No. 1)

    • Version 1.05.62017
    • DirectX 9
      • full screen anti-aliasing (AA) 4
      • anisotropic filtering (AF) 16
      • viewing distance - maximum
      • texture quality is very high
      • shadow size - 4096
      • landscape quality is very high
      • the quality of the objects is very high
      • the quality of the shadows is very high
      • post-processing - very high

    1280 x 1024

    Please enable JavaScript to see graphs

    1920 x 1080

    Please enable JavaScript to see graphs
    minimum and average FPS

    In the game ARMA 2, our heroes were confidently ahead of all rivals, except for the Phenom II X4 965 BE processor, which overclocking did not help them achieve.

Core i3 550 processor, the price of a new one on Amazon and ebay is 4,760 rubles, which is equal to $82.

The number of cores is 2, produced using a 32 nm process technology, Clarkdale architecture. Thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, the number of threads is 4, which is twice the number of physical cores and increases the performance of multi-threaded applications and games.

The base frequency of the Core i3 550 cores is 3.2 GHz. The maximum frequency in Intel Turbo Boost mode reaches 3.15 GHz. Please note that the Intel Core i3 550 cooler must cool processors with a TDP of at least 73 W at standard frequencies. During overclocking, the requirements increase.

The motherboard for Intel Core i3 550 must be with FCLGA1156 socket. The power system must be able to withstand processors with a thermal package of at least 73 W.

With integrated Intel® HD Graphics, your computer can run without a discrete graphics card because the monitor connects to the video output on the motherboard.

Price in Russia

Want to buy a Core i3 550 cheap? Look at the list of stores that already sell the processor in your city.

Family

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Intel Core i3 550 test

The data comes from user tests who tested their systems both overclocked and unoverclocked. Thus, you see the average values ​​​​corresponding to the processor.

Numerical speed

SC - Single Core (one core), QC - Quad Core (four cores), MC - Multi Core (all available cores). Int - integer operations, Float - floating point operations, Mixed - mixed arithmetic operations. The data is obtained from tests of users who tested their systems both overclocked (the maximum value in the table) and without (the minimum).

Accessories

We have compiled a list of components that users most often choose when assembling a computer based on the Core i3 550. Also, with these components the best test results and stable operation are achieved.

The most popular config: motherboard for Intel Core i3 550 - Dell Inspiron 580, video card - HD Graphics (Clarkdale 0.733/0.9 GHz).

Characteristics

Basic

Manufacturer Intel
Description Information about the processor taken from the official website of the manufacturer. Intel® Core™ i3-550 Processor (4M Cache, 3.20 GHz)
Architecture Code name for the microarchitecture generation. Clarkdale
Date of issue Month and year the processor went on sale. 08-2015
Model Official name. i3-550
Cores Number of physical cores. 2
Streams Number of threads. The number of logical processor cores that the operating system sees. 4
Multithreading technology Thanks to Hyper-threading technologies from Intel and SMT from AMD, one physical core is defined in the operating system as two logical ones, thereby increasing processor performance in multi-threaded applications. Hyper-threading
Base frequency Maximum of each processor core in normal operation. Performance in single-threaded and multi-threaded applications and games depends on it. It is important to remember that speed and frequency are not directly related. For example, a new processor at a lower frequency may be faster than an old one at a higher frequency. 3.2 GHz
Turbo frequency Maximum frequency of one processor core in turbo mode. Manufacturers have given the processor the ability to independently increase the frequency of one or more cores under heavy load, thereby increasing operating speed. It greatly affects the speed in games and applications that require CPU frequency. 3.15 GHz
L3 cache size The L3 cache acts as a buffer between the computer's RAM and the L2 cache of the processor. Used by all cores, the speed of information processing depends on the volume. 4 MB
Instructions 64-bit
Instructions Allows you to speed up calculations, processing and execution of certain operations. Also, some games require support for instructions. SSE4.2
Technical process The technological production process is measured in nanometers. The smaller the technical process, the more advanced the technology, the lower the heat generation and energy consumption. 32 nm
Bus frequency Speed ​​of data exchange with the system. 2.5 GT/s DMI
Maximum TDP Thermal Design Power is an indicator that determines the maximum heat dissipation. The cooler or water cooling system must be rated for an equal or greater value. Remember that TDP increases significantly with overclocking. 73 W

Video core

RAM

Maximum amount of RAM The amount of RAM that can be installed on a motherboard with this processor. 16 GB
Supported RAM type The type of RAM depends on its frequency and timings (performance), availability, and price. DDR3 1066/1333
RAM channels Multi-channel memory architecture increases data transfer rates. On desktop platforms the following modes are available: two-channel, three-channel and four-channel modes. 2
RAM Bandwidth 21 GB/s
ECC memory Support for error-correcting memory, which is used on servers. Typically more expensive than normal and requires more expensive server components. However, used server processors, Chinese motherboards and ECC memory sticks, which are sold relatively cheaply in China, have become widespread. No

A mid-level processor device with good technical characteristics and acceptable performance for the LGA1156 computing platform is the Core i3-550. It is this chip that will be discussed in this material. Its parameters and test results in various synthetic and gaming programs will also be given.

Purpose of this processor. What personal computers is it intended for assembling?

In the hierarchy of Intel processors, the CPU belongs to mid-level solutions. Below it, both in performance and cost, are the budget Celeron and Pentium. These semiconductor solutions have lower clock speeds, a reduced amount of fast memory integrated into the CPU die, and only two code processing logic modules. Well, processors of the i5 and i7 families can boast of greater speed and performance. In both the first and second cases, there are 4 blocks of program code execution on the silicon crystal. The solutions of the i3 line are an intermediate link between budget chips and high-performance processors. They have 2 physical cores (this makes them similar to budget CPUs) and 4 logical blocks (like more powerful products). The i3-550 processor device can be quite successfully used in the following cases:

  • In a mid-range gaming computer.
  • In the graphics station.
  • Multimedia PC.
  • Workstation.
  • Office system unit.

In the first two cases, the computer system must be equipped with a discrete video card. In other cases, you can get by with an integrated graphics adapter.

Types of CPU configurations and what do they include?

The main delivery option for this processor is BOX. The manufacturing company included the following:

  • A cardboard box with detailed specifications of the processor solution.
  • Protective plastic box with processor.
  • User guide.
  • CPU family logo sticker.
  • Branded cooler and thermal paste.
  • Warranty card.

It was also extremely rare to find a “truncated” configuration option in the price lists. In this case, the supply list lacked a cooler and thermal paste. As conceived by the manufacturing company, this configuration was of greatest interest to large computer assemblers who could buy large volumes of cooling systems at wholesale prices and thereby reduce costs

Motherboards, CPU socket and chipsets

Core i3-550 was intended for installation in the LGA1156 processor socket. It replaced LGA775 in 2009, and then a year later in 2011, for this computing platform mostly included integrated graphics cards. Only, unlike most of their predecessors, these built-in video accelerators were transferred by the manufacturer to a silicon CPU chip. A total of 4 sets of system logic were released by Intel for LGA1156: P55, H55, Q57 and H57.

Internal features of the processor device

It should be noted that the processor solution in question belongs to the first generation of chips based on the Core architecture. Their code name is Clarkdale. Later they were replaced by more productive 2nd generation CPUs based on the same architecture. Physically, this processor had 2 computing cores that processed program code. But thanks to NT technology at the system software level, such chips already looked like a full-fledged quad-core chip.

Organization of the memory subsystem integrated into the CPU. Its volume

The organization of cache memory in the Intel Core i3-550 is practically no different from modern processors. The characteristics of this solution indicate its three-level organization. The first level consisted of 2 clusters of 64 KB each. Its total volume included 128 KB. In turn, each of the clusters was divided into 2 parts of 32 KB each. One of them stored only data, and the second - only program code instructions. The second level of cache memory also consisted of two clusters, but 256 KB each. At this level there was no longer a strict division of memory into data storage and instruction storage. The third level of fast memory had a capacity of 4 MB. It was common to all computing resources on the chip.

Operating device controller. Its characteristics

The RAM controller, along with the north bridge of the system logic set, was moved into the same case with the Core i3-550. Its characteristics indicated that it could operate in dual-channel mode and supported only DDR3 RAM modules. The recommended operating frequency of the modules is 1066 or 1333 MHz, but in practice these CPUs also successfully worked with higher speed strips with frequencies up to 2133 MHz. The maximum amount of RAM in this case was 16 GB.

Clock value

Another important difference between the i3 line and the i5 line was that the latter implemented support for dynamic adjustment of the TurboBust chip clock speed. As a result, any representative of the i3 model range was fixed and did not depend on the degree of complexity of the task being solved. For Intel Core i3-550 3 - 20 GHz. Separately, it should be noted that in nominal mode it was the most productive among its brothers, but when overclocked, the younger models showed a greater increase in performance.

Thermal package. Temperature nuances. Production technology

The thermal package of the processor device in question was declared by the manufacturer at 73 W. If we compare this CPU with modern CPUs in this series, for example the i3-7100, we get 51 W or 30 percent improved energy efficiency. But for 2009, this value of power consumption looked very decent. The maximum permissible temperature for this semiconductor crystal according to the specifications is 72 o C. In reality, in nominal mode, this value did not exceed 62-63 o C, and the processor had a significant safety margin. The i3-550 was implemented in an extremely interesting way from the layout point of view. Inside its case there were 2 semiconductor crystals at once. One of them consisted entirely of computing modules and was produced according to 32 nm tolerance standards. The second included an integrated graphics adapter and a northbridge chipset. This silicon crystal was manufactured according to the 45 nm process technology. These two components of the computer system were connected using a special bus.

Overclocking potential

The Intel Core i3-550 boasted impressive overclocking potential. Of course, compared to the younger models of this family, the increase in its performance was not so great, but the result obtained was less dependent on the capabilities of the motherboard. The chip's clock frequency multiplier was fixed, and in this case it was only possible to increase performance using the system bus frequency on the motherboard. In the original state, the multiplier was 24, the bus frequency was 133 MHz, and the CPU frequency was 3.2 GHz. Experience has shown that the bus value could be increased to 185 MHz. As a result, it was possible to obtain a CPU frequency of about 4.5 GHz. That is, in percentage terms the performance increase was 29%.

Built-in video subsystem

The Core i3-550 in question could boast of having a built-in entry-level subsystem. Its model is HD Graphics. This graphics semiconductor crystal was located in the same package with the CPU computing cores. Its frequency was 733 MHz and this value did not change during operation. The maximum number of supported screens was limited to two. To implement the simplest tasks, the capabilities of such a video accelerator were quite sufficient, but to fully unlock the potential of the i3-550, the PC needed to be equipped with a very, very productive video card.

Results in synthetic tests

It is not entirely correct to compare the i3-550 with modern processor solutions of the same series, for example, the i3-7100. Their production technology is radically different: 32 nm versus 14 nm. Clock frequencies have also increased from 3.2 GHz to 3.9 GHz. But at the same time, the size of the cache memory at level 3 has decreased: instead of 4 MB, it is now 3 MB. As a result, tests show almost 50% superiority of the new processor. It is more correct to compare the i3-550 with analogues that competed with it in 2010. This list includes the i5-650, i3-530, Core 2Duo model E8500 and Athlon II X4 model 620. The test results in PCMark 05 for these central processors were as follows:

  1. The i5-650 produced 8595 points.
  2. The i3-550 boasted an identical score of 8595 points.
  3. The E8500 already scored 7941 points.
  4. Athlon II X4 620 - 7862 points.
  5. The i5-350 showed the lowest results due to the lowest clock speed - 7770 points.

Another synthetic test package, CrystalMark 0.9, produced the following results:

  1. Athlon II X4 620 - 41623 points.
  2. i5-650 —39359 points.
  3. i3-550 - 32214 points.
  4. i3-550 - 36270 points.
  5. E8500 - 31251 points.

These two tests show the significant superiority of the solution in question over the younger models of this family and over representatives of the previous architecture. You can also see that this CPU looks quite decent against the background of full-fledged 4-core chips. The difference between them is not that big and, as experience shows, it can be reduced by overclocking.

Game testing

The Core i3-550 could boast quite decent results in gaming applications, but for this it was necessary to equip such a computing system with a discrete video card. The most optimal option in conjunction with this CPU was to use a GeForce model 9800 GX2 with 1 GB of DDR3 RAM. The test results below are valid for a resolution of 1280X1024 with maximum image quality. In gaming tests, it will be most justified to compare this chip with the same CPUs as in the previous paragraph. In the game Tom Clancy's you could learn the following FPS:

  1. i5-650 and i3-550 - 120 each.
  2. Athlon II X4 620 - 119.
  3. i3-530 - 117.
  4. E8500 - 106.

The situation in Far Cry 2 changes slightly. In this case, the result is the following FPS:

  1. i5-650 and i3-550 - 85 each.
  2. i3-530 - 81.
  3. E8500 - 74.
  4. Athlon II X4 620 - 73.

A comparison with direct competitors at the time of release indicates that the processor device in question could compete quite well even with full-fledged 4-core chips. In some tests, he even outperformed them significantly, as, for example, in Far Cry 2.

Until recently, there were only two desktop processors in the Intel Core i3 lineup: Intel Core i3-530 and Intel Core i3-540. In the second decade of 2010, another Intel Core i3-550 processor with a frequency of 3.2 GHz was added to them. Let us remind you that the junior model Intel Core i3-530 has a frequency of 2.93 GHz. Actually, only in frequency are the differences between the models of Intel Core i3 processors. The more privileged series of Intel Core i5 processors received support for Turbo Boost technology, AES instructions to speed up the encryption algorithm, as well as Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT), which provides increased security. The frequency of the Intel HD graphics core of the Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5-6XX processors is the same and is equal to 733 MHz. The only exception is the Intel Core i5-661 processor, whose graphics core frequency is 900 MHz.

Main characteristics of processors of the Intel Core i3 and Core i5 family:

i3-530 i3-540 i3-550 i5-650 i5-655k i5-660 i5-670 i5-680 i5-750
Technical process 32nm/45nm 45nm
Core Clarkdale Lynnfield
Cache memory size, MB4 8
Clock frequency, GHz 2,93 3,06 3,2 3,2 3,2 3,33 3,46 3,86 2,66
Number of Cores 2 4
Turbo Boost, GHz No No No 3,46 3,46 3,6 3,73 3,86 3,2
AES - - - + + + + + -
Intel 64 technology + + + + + + + + +
Intel Trusted Execution Technology - - - + + + + + -
Execute Disable Bit function + + + + + + + + +
Hyper-Threading Technology + + + + + + + + -
Max TDP, W 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 73 95
Processor price per batch of 1000 pieces, $ 113 117 138 176 216 196 284 294 196

The pricing in the segment of mainstream Intel processors is quite orderly. All Intel Core i3 processors are cheaper than Intel Core i5 models. The Intel Core i3-550 processor, which we are testing today, is equal in frequency to the younger Intel Core i5-650 model. But due to the presence of the latter series of technologies that we mentioned above, the Intel Core i5-650 is $38 more expensive. The TDP level for most Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5 models is no higher than 73 W.

The Intel Core i3-550 processor has a traditional blue packaging.

The packaging has two cutouts through which you can see the markings on the processor and the name of the cooler model.

The processor label indicates the main characteristics of the Intel Core i3-550 processor. It is interesting to note that the number of processor cores is not indicated on it; instead, the number of executable threads is indicated.

Intel Core i3-550 Specification

Model Intel Core i3-550
Marking SLBLK
CPU socket LGA1156
Clock frequency, GHz 3,2
Factor 24
Bus frequency, MHz 133
L1 cache size (Instruction Data), KB 2x322x32
L2 cache size, KB 2x256
L3 cache size, KB 4096 (4 MB)
Core Clarkdale
Number of Cores 2
Instructions support MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EM64T, VT-x
DMI 2.5 GT/s
Supply voltage, V 0,65-1,4
Power dissipation, W 73
Critical temperature, °C 72,6
Technical process (CPU+GPU) 32 nm + 45 nm
Technology support Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology
Enhanced Halt State (C1E)
Execute Disable Bit
Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel vPro Technology
Intel Turbo Boost Technology
Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (Intel VT-d)
Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT-x)
Intel HD Graphics
Built-in memory controller
Maximum memory capacity, GB 16
Memory types DDR3-1066/1333
Number of memory channels 2
Maximum throughput, GB/s 21
ECC support No
Built-in graphics core
Computing conveyors, pcs. 12
Operating frequency, MHz 733
Amount of memory used, GB up to 1.7
Supported APIs DirectX 10.0 (Shader Model 4.0) OpenGL 2.1
Interface Intel FDI (2.7 GT/s)
HDCP support Eat
Accelerate video decoding MPEG2, WMV9/VC-1, AVC

Inside the package there are: processor, cooler, warranty, user manual and company sticker.

The cooling system is supposed to be a Delta DTC-DAB03 cooler with an all-aluminum radiator without a core. The fan has a 4-pin power connector with support for PWM power saving mode.

On the processor cover of the Intel Core i3-550 there is a main marking that can shed light on the model name, the nominal processor frequency is 3.2 GHz, the cache memory is 4 MB; power system requirement - PCG 09A.

On the back of the processor there are all 1156 contact pads of the LGA1156 processor socket. The location of the matching elements has not changed compared to younger models.

The Intel Core i3-550 processor belongs to the Clarkdale family, which is characterized by the presence of two crystals under the cover. The main part of the processor with two processor cores is executed using the 32 nm process technology, and the second part is executed according to 45 nm standards and houses the GPU, memory controller and PCI Express bus controller. The crystals communicate with each other using an internal QPI bus. Moreover, the QPI bus frequency of Intel Core i3 processors is lower than that of the Intel Core i5 line of models - 2900 MHz versus 3200 MHz. Another difference between processors of different lines, which cannot be found out from the specification, but can be found out using the CPUZ utility. This utility also allows you to determine that our instance of the Intel Core i3-550 processor has the new K0 kernel revision. Let us recall that initially the Intel Core i3 series processors had revision C2.

You can understand the structural features of the Clarkdale family of processors in more detail by reading the processor reviewIntel Core i5-661 .

The Intel Core i3-550 processor has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, of which 32 KB is for data caching and the same amount for instructions. The L2 cache has a capacity of 256 KB per core. The L3 cache is common to the entire processor and its size is 4 MB.

The dual-channel DDR3 memory controller of the Intel Core i3 processor is nominally capable of supporting DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1333 memory. The operating frequency of the memory controller, judging by CPUZ data, is 2130 MHz.

The integrated Intel HD graphics core of the Intel Core i3-550 processor has a frequency of 733 MHz. According to this indicator, Intel processors may differ. But the GPU of the overwhelming majority of Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5 processors operates at a frequency of 733 MHz.

A detailed description of the Intel HD graphics accelerator with testing of its performance can be found in the article “Intel HD Graphics: capabilities, performance, future prospects ».

Testing

During testing, Processor Test Stand No. 1 was used (the configuration has not changed since 05/01/2009).

Motherboards (AMD) ASUS M3A32-MVP DELUXE (AMD 790FX, sAM2+, DDR2, ATX)
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P (AMD 790X, sAM3, DDR3, ATX)
Cooler (AMD) Thermaltake Sonic Tower (CL-P0071) + akasa AK-183-L2B 120 mm
Motherboards (Intel) GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P (Intel P45, LGA 775, DDR2, ATX)
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-DS4 (Intel X58, LGA 1366, DDR3, ATX)
Motherboards (Intel) ASUS Maximus III Formula (Intel P55, LGA 1156, DDR3, ATX)
MSI H57M-ED65 (Intel H57, LGA 1156, DDR3, mATX)
Coolers (Intel) Noctua NH-U12P + LGA1366 Kit
Scythe Kama Angle rev.B (LGA 1156/1366 support)
RAM 2x DDR2-1200 1024 MB Kingston HyperX KHX9600D2K2/2G
2/3x DDR3-2000 1024 MB Kingston HyperX KHX16000D3T1K3/3GX
Video cards EVGA e-GeForce 8600 GTS 256 MB GDDR3 PCI-E
ASUS EN9800GX2/G/2DI/1G GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB GDDR3 PCI-E 2.0
HDD Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS, 500 GB, SATA-300, NCQ
power unit Seasonic SS-650JT, 650 W, Active PFC, 80 PLUS, 120 mm fan

The performance of the Intel Core i3-550 is almost identical to that of the Intel Core i5-650 without active Turbo Boost technology. With automatic acceleration technology enabled, the latter will be slightly faster.

If we compare the performance of the younger processor of the Intel Core i3-530 series and the older Intel Core i3-550, then there is not an “abyss” between them, but approximately a 10% difference. The cost of these models differs by $25, which, of course, in percentage terms is more than 10%, so if you want to save money, you can opt for a less fast processor.

You can still find processors for LGA 775 on sale. According to some technical criteria, the Intel Core i3-550 can be compared with the previous generation processor Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 of the Wolfdale family. The 3.16 GHz dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 with 6 MB L2 cache is approximately 25% slower than the Intel Core i3-550 in computing tests and 10-15% faster in some games. Not long ago, Intel Core 2 Duo E8X00 processors were among the favorite processors of gamers. Today, the Intel Core i3-550, in addition to being cheaper, also demonstrates a higher level of performance.

If we compare the Intel Core i3-550 with AMD processors, it turns out that it outperforms the triple-core AMD Phenom II X3 720 in almost all respects. With varying degrees of success, the Intel Core i3-550 can even compete with the quad-core AMD Athlon II X4, for example the AMD Athlon II X4 620. If in purely computing tests the four cores of the AMD processor take over, then due to the lack of third-level cache, the AMD Athlon II X4 processors lose to the Intel Core i3-550 in games. At this point, it is worth paying attention to users with limited financial resources who are assembling a gaming PC.

Overclocking

It was not possible to obtain results with overclocking unprecedented for the Intel Core i3 line, despite the new kernel revision. At a voltage of 1.45 V, the Intel Core i3-550 processor was able to stably operate at a frequency of 4429 MHz, which is an increase in frequency of 38%. Note that the younger models Intel Core i3-530 and Intel Core i3-540 overclocked to approximately the same frequency. In percentage terms, their overclocking results will be higher. Therefore, if you are going to use an overclocked processor, then from the point of view of saving money, lower-end models will look preferable. But at the same time, the advantage of the Intel Core i3-550 processor is its larger multiplier, so overclocking will depend less on the capabilities of the motherboard.

It is also worth noting that the Intel Core i5 processor line under the same conditions overclocks on average 200 MHz better. Apparently, higher quality crystals are selected for their production. But 4.4 GHz for the Clarkdale core with air cooling is a good result; you just need to evaluate the performance increase in practice.

Test package Result Productivity gain, %
Rated frequency Overclocked processor
Futuremark PCMark"05 CPU 8595 11869 38,09
Memory 7068 8577 21,35
Graphics 9219 10585 14,82
CrystalMark ALU 39214 54168 38,13
FPU 40841 55748 36,50
Memory 28599 33951 18,71
WinRar, Kb/s 1745 1855 6,30
Futuremark 3DMark"06 Mark Score 6303 6642 5,38
CPU Score 3388 4708 38,96
Fritz Chess Benchmark v.4.2, knodes/s 5908 8077 36,71
Futuremark 3DMark Vantage v.1.0.1 PMark Score 9792 11055 12,90
CPU Score 9255 12586 35,99
World in Conflict v.1.0.0.9, Maximum, 1024x768 Average FPS 52 65 25,00
Far Cry 2 v.1.00, 1280x1024 DirectX 9, High, fps 85,09 97,65 14,76
DirectX 10, Very High, fps 71,35 74,84 4,89

As a result of overclocking the Intel Core i3-550 processor to a frequency of 4.4 GHz, the average performance increase was 23.2%, which is not so bad, and in synthetic tests the increase sometimes even reaches 38%.

With overclocking to 4.4 GHz, the Intel Core i3-550 can compete with more expensive full-fledged quad-core processors, albeit with varying degrees of success.

conclusions

The Intel Core i3-550 processor, like other models of the Intel Core i3 series, is the optimal solution for building a modern universal PC for the home using the Intel platform. The advantages of Intel Core i3 processors are the best ratio of performance per watt of energy expended due to the thin 32 nm process technology, which is currently characteristic only of the Clarkdale family and very expensive Gulftown models. In addition, the built-in video core of Intel Core i3 processors allows you to easily play HD video in two streams and even play some popular games from five years ago. The Intel Core i3-550 processor can also be used to build a gaming PC with an external video card. Moreover, due to the higher clock speed, the Intel Core i3-550 looks a little more attractive than the younger models of the Intel Core i3 line. At the same time, if you plan to overclock the processor, then in order to save money, the Intel Core i3-530 is more suitable, since the frequency potential of all three Intel Core i3 models is at approximately the same level.

We express our gratitude to the companyLLC PF Service (Dnepropetrovsk) for the processor provided for testing.

We express our gratitude to the companiesASUS , GIGABYTE , Kingston , Noctua , Sea Sonic , Scythe , VIZO for the equipment provided for the test bench.


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