Core i5-3450 vs Core i7-2860QM
Core i5-3450
Core i7-2860QM
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 i7-2860QM is on rank 68, so the Core i7-2860QM 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 i7-2860QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core i7-2860QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Core i7-2860QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-2860QM
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.
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% |
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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Core i7-2860QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2500 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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