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Intel Core i5-8550

Intel Core i5-8550

Intel Core i5-8550: Review and Recommendations for 2025 Builds

Relevance of the processor years later and its place in the modern market

Key Specifications: Coffee Lake in Detail

The Intel Core i5-8550 processor, released in 2017, became part of the eighth generation of Intel Core (Coffee Lake). Despite its age, it remains popular in the second-hand market and budget builds in 2025 due to its reliability and balanced performance.

- Architecture and Process Technology: 14nm technology, 6 physical cores without Hyper-Threading support (6 threads). Base frequency is 3.0 GHz, with a maximum of 4.3 GHz in Turbo Boost.

- Cache Memory: 9 MB L3, improving performance with multi-threaded applications.

- TDP: 65 W — low power consumption for its class.

- Key Features: Support for Intel Optane Memory, Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, integrated UHD Graphics 630 (for basic tasks).

Practical Example: In 2024, a user built a PC with an i5-8550 for graphic work in Photoshop and Lightroom. The processor handles RAW file processing, but simultaneous running of a browser with dozens of tabs may cause stuttering due to the lack of Hyper-Threading.

Compatible Motherboards: What to Choose in 2025?

The i5-8550 requires an LGA 1151 v2 socket and 300 series chipsets:

- Budget Option: H310 — suitable for office PCs (new boards priced at $60–80).

- Optimal Choice: B360 or H370 — support for USB 3.1, M.2 NVMe (prices range from $90–130).

- For Enthusiasts: Z370 — memory overclocking and extra ports ($140–170).

Important: Some motherboards may require a BIOS update to work with Coffee Lake. In 2025, new models are rare, but refurbished ones are available in the market (e.g., ASUS Prime B360M-A).

Supported Memory: DDR4 and Its Features

The processor only works with DDR4:

- Maximum frequency: Up to 2666 MHz on B360/H370 chipsets and higher on Z370.

- Modes: Dual-channel — for enhanced performance.

- Recommended size: 16 GB (2x8 GB) — optimal for gaming and multitasking.

Tip: Avoid cheap modules without heat spreaders — they may overheat under heavy loads. For example, Kingston HyperX Fury kits (2666 MHz) remain a reliable choice.

Power Supply Units: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 65 W and no overclocking, a PSU rated at 400–500 W will suffice, but consider a discrete graphics card:

- For systems with GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600: 500 W (e.g., Corsair CX550 — $65).

- For RTX 3060 or similar: 600 W (Seasonic S12III-620 — $80).

Important: Cheap PSUs (like Apevia) may operate unstably under load. Choose models with an 80 Plus Bronze certification or higher.

Pros and Cons of the i5-8550 in 2025

Pros:

- 6 cores for multitasking.

- Low power consumption.

- Compatibility with DDR4 and NVMe SSDs.

Cons:

- No Hyper-Threading — lags behind Ryzen 5 in multi-threaded tasks.

- Outdated 14nm process technology.

- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0.

Example: In games like Cyberpunk 2077 (on medium settings), the CPU shows 60–70 FPS paired with an RTX 3060, but while streaming via OBS, the load reaches 100%.

Usage Scenarios: Where the Processor is Relevant

1. Gaming: Suitable for eSports (CS2, Valorant) and AAA titles at medium settings.

2. Work Tasks: Office applications, programming, light video editing (1080p).

3. Multimedia: Watching 4K videos, photo editing.

Limitations: Not recommended for rendering 3D models or streaming in 4K.

Comparison with Competitors

- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (6 cores/12 threads, $130–150): Better in multi-threaded tasks but worse in gaming due to lower IPC.

- Intel Core i5-9400F (6/6, $140–160): Similar performance, but lacks integrated graphics.

- Ryzen 5 5500 (6/12, $160–180): More modern Zen 3 architecture, supports PCIe 4.0.

Conclusion: The i5-8550 falls behind newer models but offers value when purchased used (price ranges from $80–100).

Practical Building Tips

1. Motherboard: Choose B360 with M.2 for quick SSD (e.g., WD Blue SN570).

2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, consider installing a DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 ($25).

3. RAM: 16 GB DDR4-2666 is a minimum for modern OSs.

4. Graphics Card: RTX 3050 or RX 6600 — optimal balance.

Pitfall: Do not use old HDDs as a system drive — it will bottleneck performance.

Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the i5-8550?

This processor should be considered in two cases:

1. Budget Build: If you are buying used components and want to save (a complete system will cost around $300–400).

2. Upgrading an Old PC: Replacing outdated Core i3/i5 4th generation without changing the motherboard (if compatible).

Why is it still relevant in 2025? Low price, sufficient performance for everyday tasks and gaming, as well as availability of components. However, for professional tasks, it is better to choose the Ryzen 5 5500 or Core i3-12100F.

Prices are quoted for new devices as of April 2025. Purchasing used components can save 30–50%.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
September 2018
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i5-8550
Code Name
Coffee Lake
Generation
Core i5 (Coffee Lake)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
6
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
6
Basic Frequency
3 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 4.3 GHz
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
9 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel Socket 1151
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
30.0x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
65 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
N/A