PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i5-3450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,517 points. Launch price was $186.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450

#735

Pentium G3420

MSRP: $86|Avg: $40

106%

#736

Athlon 64 3200+

MSRP: $417|Avg: $10

106%

#737

Core i7-2600K

MSRP: $317|Avg: $109

106%

#738

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

106%

#739

Pentium G6950

MSRP: $87|Avg: $25

105%

#740

Core 2 Duo E8500

MSRP: $26|Avg: $26

105%

#741

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

105%

#742

Core i9-9900

MSRP: $423|Avg: $330

103%

#743

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

103%

#744

Core i3-10100T

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

103%

#745

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

103%

#746

Core i3-4150

MSRP: $281|Avg: $70

102%

#747

Core i5-4430S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $90

102%

#748

Core i3-3245

MSRP: $120|Avg: $50

101%

#749

Pentium G3420T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $40

101%

#750

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

100%

#751

Core i5-4440

MSRP: $184|Avg: $101

100%

#752

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

99%

#753

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

99%

#754

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

99%

#755

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

99%

#756

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

99%

#757

Core i3-8300

MSRP: $138|Avg: $136

99%

#758

Core i7-2600S

MSRP: $297|Avg: $99

99%

#759

Core i5-4690

MSRP: $272|Avg: $120

98%

#760

Core i5-8500B

MSRP: $192|Avg: $192

97%

#761

Core i7-13700TE

MSRP: $390|Avg: $476

97%

#762

FX-8350

MSRP: $199|Avg: $130

96%

#763

Core i5-6500

MSRP: $239|Avg: $123

96%

#764

Core i7-980X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $150

96%

#765

Core i9-11900T

MSRP: $439|Avg: $413

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-3450 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3450 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-3450 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 6144 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,517, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-3450
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6144 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,517

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3450 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2500 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-3450
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 2500
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-3450
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3450 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 77 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-3450
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	77 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $95 (MSRP: $184), the Core i5-3450 delivers 48 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1938 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-3450
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$184
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$95
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$186
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1938
Release DateLaunch date	29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel