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.

Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3450S

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

118%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

116%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

115%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

115%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

114%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

111%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

109%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

108%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

105%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

104%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

104%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

104%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

103%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

101%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

101%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

100%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

99%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

99%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

99%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

99%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

98%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

98%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

96%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

96%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

95%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

94%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

94%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

94%

#51

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

93%

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

93%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-3450S across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3450S specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-3450S is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 6144 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,399, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-3450S
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6144 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,399

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3450S fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i5-3450S
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3450S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-3450S
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $174), the Core i5-3450S delivers 220 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1956 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-3450S
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$174
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$150
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1956
Release DateLaunch date	29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$150
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	1956

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	160 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Transistor Count	1,400 million
Process Technology	22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	69 °C