Core i5-2450P vs Core i5-3475S

Intel

Core i5-2450P

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i5-3475S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-2450P vs Core i5-3475S Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-2450P vs Core i5-3475S 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 i5-2450P vs Core i5-3475S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2450P

2012

Why buy it

  • +19.8% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Costs $72 less on MSRP ($177 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
  • Delivers 39.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3475S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3475S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3475S

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-2450P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,544 vs 1,850).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2450P better than Core i5-3475S?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3475S is ahead with a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2450P pulls ahead with 19.8% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2450P is the stronger fit. You are getting 19.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-2450P is the better buy right now. Core i5-2450P comes in $72 cheaper on MSRP at $177 MSRP versus $249 MSRP, and it still gives you 19.8% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i5-3475S is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 39.3% better value on MSRP (24.1 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2450P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i5-2450P vs Core i5-3475S Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-2450P

The Core i5-2450P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,273 points. Launch price was $215.

Intel

Core i5-3475S

The Core i5-3475S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (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: 4,315 points. Launch price was $219.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2450P and Core i5-3475S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2450P versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3475S — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3475S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-2450P uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3475S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450P scores 4,273 against the Core i5-3475S's 4,315 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-3475S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 545 vs 705, a 25.6% lead for the Core i5-3475S that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,850 vs 1,544 (18% advantage for the Core i5-2450P). L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2450P vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3475S.

FeatureCore i5-2450PCore i5-3475S
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz
3.6 GHz+3%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+10%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
6144 kB (total)
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
4,273
4,315
Geekbench 6 Single
545
705+29%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,850+20%
1,544
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2450P versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3475S — the Core i5-3475S supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,P67,Z68,H67,Q67 (Core i5-2450P) and H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3475S).

FeatureCore i5-2450PCore i5-3475S
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2450P) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3475S). The Core i5-3475S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-2450P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3475S targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-3475S rivals FX-6300.

FeatureCore i5-2450PCore i5-3475S
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2450P was priced at $177, while the Core i5-3475S came in at $249. On launch pricing ($177 vs $249), Core i5-2450P was $72 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2450P delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3475S — making the Core i5-2450P the 32.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2450PCore i5-3475S
MSRP
$177-29%
$249
Performance per Dollar
24.1+39%
17.3
Release Date
2012
2012

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.