Core i7-13700K vs Core i5-3450

The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i5-3450 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-13700K has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 — a 42.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-3450 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Core i5-3450's 4,517 — a 164.1% lead for the Core i7-13700K. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450.

The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-3450 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K versus 1600 on the Core i5-3450 — the Core i5-3450 supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 16 (Core i5-3450) — the Core i7-13700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700K) and Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3450) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.

The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i5-3450 debuted at $184. At current prices ($400 vs $95), the Core i5-3450 is $305 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 47.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3450 — making the Core i7-13700K the 82.6% better value option.