Athlon 3000G vs Core i5-3450
Athlon 3000G
Core i5-3450
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 3000G
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 3000G | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 3000G | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+56%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 3000G and Core i5-3450
Athlon 3000G
The Athlon 3000G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,446 points. Launch price was $49.
Core i5-3450
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.
Processing Power
The Athlon 3000G packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3450 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Athlon 3000G versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Athlon 3000G uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3450 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 3000G scores 4,446 against the Core i5-3450's 4,517 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-3450. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Athlon 3000G vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450.
| Feature | Athlon 3000G | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+13% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6144 kB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,446 | 4,517+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,800 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 956 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,970 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 3000G uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3450 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the Athlon 3000G versus 1600 on the Core i5-3450 — the Athlon 3000G supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 3000G supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Athlon 3000G | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+67% | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64+100% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon Vega 3 Graphics (Athlon 3000G) and Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3450) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Athlon 3000G rivals Pentium Gold G6400.
| Feature | Athlon 3000G | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Vega 3 Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 3000G launched at $49 MSRP, while the Core i5-3450 debuted at $184. At current prices ($60 vs $95), the Athlon 3000G is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 3000G delivers 74.1 pts/$ vs 47.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3450 — making the Athlon 3000G the 43.7% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 3000G | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $49-73% | $184 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-37% | $95 |
| Performance per Dollar | 74.1+56% | 47.5 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2012 |
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