CPU
GPU
Core i5-3450
Ryzen 5 3600
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. The Core i5-3450 is positioned at rank #696 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+365%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 Ryzen 5 3600
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-3450 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450 scores 4,517 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 118.6% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 32 MB (total)+433% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-68% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 4,517 | 17,685+292% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3450 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3450 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Core i5-3450 supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3450) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+39900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 128 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3450) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i5-3450 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2500 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3450 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($95 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450 delivers 47.5 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 129.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3450 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-8% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95 | $80-16% |
| Performance per Dollar | 47.5 | 221.1+365% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2019 |
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