Core i5-3450 vs Core i3-7300
Core i5-3450
Core i3-7300
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. The Core i5-3450 is positioned at rank 696 and the Core i3-7300 is on rank 695, so the Core i3-7300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($46) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+107%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($46) |
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 Core i5-3450 and Core i3-7300
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.
Core i3-7300
The Core i3-7300 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,519 points. Launch price was $147.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7300 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 versus 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i5-3450 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-7300 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450 scores 4,517 against the Core i3-7300's 4,519 — a 0% lead for the Core i3-7300. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 4 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total)+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,517 | 4,519 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3450 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7300 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3450 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300 — the Core i5-3450 supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+39900% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 64 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3450) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7300). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3450) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7300) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2500 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3450 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i3-7300 debuted at $184. At current prices ($95 vs $46), the Core i3-7300 is $49 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450 delivers 47.5 pts/$ vs 98.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-7300 — making the Core i3-7300 the 69.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184 | $184 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95 | $46-52% |
| Performance per Dollar | 47.5 | 98.2+107% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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