Core i5-3550S vs Core i5-3450
Core i5-3550S
Core i5-3450
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 i5-3550S is positioned at rank 758 and the Core i5-3450 is on rank 696, so the Core i5-3450 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3550S
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3550S | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($95) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3550S | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($95) |
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 i5-3550S and Core i5-3450
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3550S and Core i5-3450 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550S versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550S (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3550S scores 4,442 against the Core i5-3450's 4,517 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-3450. Both processors carry 6144 kB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-3550S | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+6% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| 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 | 4,442 | 4,517+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 619 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3550S versus 1600 on the Core i5-3450 — the Core i5-3450 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i5-3550S | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3550S) vs true (Core i5-3450). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3550S) and Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3450) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3550S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3550S rivals FX-6350.
| Feature | Core i5-3550S | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | Intel HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3550S launched at $205 MSRP, while the Core i5-3450 debuted at $184. At current prices ($100 vs $95), the Core i5-3450 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3550S delivers 44.4 pts/$ vs 47.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3450 — making the Core i5-3450 the 6.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3550S | Core i5-3450 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $205 | $184-10% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $95-5% |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.4 | 47.5+7% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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