Core i3-7101E vs Core i5-3450S

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.

Core i3-7101E vs Core i5-3450S FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-7101E vs Core i5-3450S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-7101E

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $57 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Delivers 49.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.9 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 65W, a 11W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-3450S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-3450S

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,399 vs 4,430).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.3 vs 37.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌20.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7101E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7101E better than Core i5-3450S?

Yes. Core i3-7101E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-7101E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7101E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-7101E is the better buy right now. Core i3-7101E comes in $57 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 49.8% better value on MSRP (37.9 vs 25.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-7101E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7101E vs Core i5-3450S Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-7101E

The Core i3-7101E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,430 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i5-3450S

The Core i5-3450S 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 2.8 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,399 points. Launch price was $150.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7101E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3450S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3450S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450S — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-7101E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3450S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101E scores 4,430 against the Core i5-3450S's 4,399 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-7101E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450S.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3450S
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+11%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+39%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	6144 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,430	4,399
Geekbench 6 Single	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3450S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3450S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E) / not specified (Core i5-3450S). The Core i3-7101E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3450S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3450S
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Embedded	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7101E was priced at $117, while the Core i5-3450S came in at $174. On launch pricing ($117 vs $174), Core i3-7101E was $57 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7101E delivers 37.9 pts/$ vs 25.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3450S — making the Core i3-7101E the 39.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Core i5-3450S
MSRP	$117-33%	$174
Performance per Dollar	37.9+50%	25.3
Release Date	2017	2012

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