Core i5-3450S vs Core i3-7101E
Core i5-3450S
Core i3-7101E
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 i5-3450S is positioned at rank 685 and the Core i3-7101E is on rank 520, so the Core i3-7101E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450S
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7101E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450S | Core i3-7101E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450S | Core i3-7101E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+148%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 i5-3450S and Core i3-7101E
Core i5-3450S
The Core i5-3450S 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 2.8 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,399 points. Launch price was $150.
Core i3-7101E
The Core i3-7101E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,430 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3450S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7101E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3450S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450S versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-3450S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-7101E uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450S scores 4,399 against the Core i3-7101E's 4,430 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-7101E. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450S vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i3-7101E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz+39% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total)+100% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,399 | 4,430 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,250 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3450S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7101E uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i3-7101E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3450S) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E). The Core i3-7101E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3450S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i3-7101E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3450S launched at $174 MSRP, while the Core i3-7101E debuted at $117. At current prices ($20 vs $50), the Core i5-3450S is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450S delivers 219.9 pts/$ vs 88.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-7101E — making the Core i5-3450S the 85.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i3-7101E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174 | $117-33% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-60% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 219.9+148% | 88.6 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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