Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i5-3450

The Core i3-1115GRE 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-1115GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-3450 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115GRE scores 4,588 against the Core i5-3450's 4,517 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i3-1115GRE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450.

The Core i3-1115GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-3450 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 1600 on the Core i5-3450 — the Core i5-3450 supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1115GRE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i3-1115GRE) vs 16 (Core i5-3450) — the Core i5-3450 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-1115GRE) vs true (Core i5-3450). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3-1115GRE) and Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3450) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU.

The Core i3-1115GRE launched at $338 MSRP, while the Core i5-3450 debuted at $184. At current prices ($480 vs $95), the Core i5-3450 is $385 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1115GRE delivers 9.6 pts/$ vs 47.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3450 — making the Core i5-3450 the 133% better value option.