Core i5-3450 vs Core i5-6442EQ

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 i5-3450 vs Core i5-6442EQ 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 i5-3450 vs Core i5-6442EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3450

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $66 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 36.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2500, while Core i5-6442EQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌208% higher power demand at 77W vs 25W.

Core i5-6442EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 77W, a 52W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3450 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,483 vs 4,517).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.9 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3450 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3450 better than Core i5-6442EQ?

Yes. Core i5-3450 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3450 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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 i5-3450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3450 is the better buy right now. Core i5-3450 comes in $66 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 36.9% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6442EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3450 vs Core i5-6442EQ Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-6442EQ

The Core i5-6442EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3450 and Core i5-6442EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ — a 59.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-3450. The Core i5-3450 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6442EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450 scores 4,517 against the Core i5-6442EQ's 4,483 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-3450. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ.

Feature	Core i5-3450	Core i5-6442EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+84%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,517	4,483

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3450) / not specified (Core i5-6442EQ). The Core i5-3450 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-6442EQ requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i5-3450	Core i5-6442EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2500	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3450 was priced at $184, while the Core i5-6442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($184 vs $250), Core i5-3450 was $66 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450 delivers 24.5 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-6442EQ — making the Core i5-3450 the 31.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3450	Core i5-6442EQ
MSRP	$184-26%	$250
Performance per Dollar	24.5+37%	17.9
Release Date	2012	2015

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