Core i5-3450S vs FX-6130

Core i5-3450S vs FX-6130 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3450S

4 / 4

4,399

+1.1%

4,353

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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.

Core i5-3450S vs FX-6130 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 FX-6130: 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

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $174 MSRP, while FX-6130 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

FX-6130

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,353 vs 4,399).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3450S better than FX-6130?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-6130 is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3450S pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. FX-6130 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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 1.1% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $174 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that FX-6130 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-6130 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-3450S vs FX-6130 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.

FX-6130

The FX-6130 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,353 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3450S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6130 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6130 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450S versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6130 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the FX-6130 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-3450S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6130 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450S scores 4,399 against the FX-6130's 4,353 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-3450S. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450S vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6130.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	FX-6130
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.9 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB+2300%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	4,399+1%	4,353

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3450S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6130 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	FX-6130
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3450S was priced at $174, while the FX-6130 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($174 vs $0), FX-6130 was $174 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	FX-6130
MSRP	$174	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	25.3	—
Release Date	2012	2012

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