Core i5-3450 vs Core i7-2860QM

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 i7-2860QM 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 i7-2860QM: 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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2860QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,517 vs 4,597).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Core i7-2860QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌71.1% higher power demand at 77W vs 45W.

Core i7-2860QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 77W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2860QM better than Core i5-3450?

Yes. Core i7-2860QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2860QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.3% 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 i7-2860QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-2860QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2860QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3450 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (24.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-3450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3450 vs Core i7-2860QM 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 i7-2860QM

The Core i7-2860QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,597 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2860QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-2860QM — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2860QM (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-3450 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2860QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450 scores 4,517 against the Core i7-2860QM's 4,597 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i7-2860QM. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2860QM.

Feature	Core i5-3450	Core i7-2860QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+24%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,517	4,597+2%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3450 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2860QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-3450	Core i7-2860QM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32	32
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3450) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2860QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2860QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.