Core i5-3450S vs Core i5-3550S
Core i5-3450S
Core i5-3550S
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 i5-3550S is on rank 758, so the Core i5-3450S 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 i5-3550S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3450S | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3450S | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+395%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 i5-3550S
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 i5-3550S
The Core i5-3550S 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 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 4,442 points. Launch price was $350.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3450S and Core i5-3550S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450S versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550S (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3450S scores 4,399 against the Core i5-3550S's 4,442 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-3550S. Both processors carry 6144 kB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3 GHz+7% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 6144 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,399 | 4,442 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 619 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3450S) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S). The Core i5-3550S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-3450S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3450S launched at $174 MSRP, while the Core i5-3550S debuted at $205. At current prices ($20 vs $100), the Core i5-3450S is $80 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450S delivers 219.9 pts/$ vs 44.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3550S — making the Core i5-3450S the 132.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3450S | Core i5-3550S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-15% | $205 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-80% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 219.9+395% | 44.4 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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