Core i5-3450 vs Core i5-6442EQ
Core i5-3450
Core i5-6442EQ
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 i5-6442EQ is on rank 843, so the Core i5-3450 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 i5-6442EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+165%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
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 i5-6442EQ
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.
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 |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3450 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i5-6442EQ debuted at $250. At current prices ($95 vs $250), the Core i5-3450 is $155 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450 delivers 47.5 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-6442EQ — making the Core i5-3450 the 90.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-26% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95-62% | $250 |
| Performance per Dollar | 47.5+165% | 17.9 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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