Core i5-3450S vs Core i5-4430S

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 i5-3450S vs Core i5-4430S 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 i5-3450S vs Core i5-4430S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-3450S

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $8 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4430S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4430S.

Core i5-4430S

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i5-3450S needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3450S.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,376 vs 4,399).
❌
4.6% HIGHER MSRP
$182 MSRPvs$174 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3450S better than Core i5-4430S?

Yes. Core i5-3450S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3450S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 39 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3450S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3450S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3450S comes in $8 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 5.1% better value on MSRP (25.3 vs 24.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-4430S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3450S vs Core i5-4430S Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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 i5-4430S

The Core i5-4430S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,376 points. Launch price was $135.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3450S and Core i5-4430S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450S versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430S — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3450S (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-3450S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4430S uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450S scores 4,399 against the Core i5-4430S's 4,376 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3450S. Both processors carry 6144 kB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	Core i5-4430S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+4%	2.7 GHz
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)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,399	4,376
Geekbench 6 Single	—	877
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,397

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3450S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4430S uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	Core i5-4430S
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3450S) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4430S). The Core i5-4430S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-3450S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4430S targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430S rivals Ryzen 3 1200.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	Core i5-4430S
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Budget

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3450S was priced at $174, while the Core i5-4430S came in at $182. On launch pricing ($174 vs $182), Core i5-3450S was $8 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3450S delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 24.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-4430S — making the Core i5-3450S the 5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	Core i5-4430S
MSRP	$174-4%	$182
Performance per Dollar	25.3+5%	24.0
Release Date	2012	2013

Search Core i5-3450S on Amazon

Search Core i5-4430S on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.