Intel Core i5 3450 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£25
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4522
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.5 GHz

Intel Core i5 3450 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.2

Technical Score

10.0%

8.1

User score

Poor
3.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

2.1

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.1

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

Poor
8.1

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

6.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(82)
amazon
4.0
(54)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-3450
intel-core-i5-3450

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Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a 3rd Gen Ivy Bridge quad-core processor built on a 22nm lithography, featuring a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.5 GHz. With 4 cores, 4 threads, and a 6 MB Intel Smart Cache, this 77W TDP desktop CPU includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 and supports up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333/1600 memory. Its main pros include reliable entry-level performance for everyday productivity and light gaming, compatibility with PCIe 3.0, and a relatively low thermal output that prevents overheating under standard loads. However, its notable cons are the lack of Hyper-Threading technology, the absence of an unlocked multiplier for significant overclocking, and a legacy architecture that struggles to keep up with modern multi-threaded applications and high-end gaming.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 3450

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

2.1

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.1

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

3.2
Intel Core i5 3450 has a technical score of 3.19 points, which is lower than that of 98.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

6.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(82)
amazon
4.0
(54)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.1
Intel Core i5 3450 has a user score of 8.11 points, which is higher than that of 84.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
6.7
Intel Core i5 3450 has a popularity of 6.7 points, which is higher than 84.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.6
Intel Core i5 3450 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 82.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 3450 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1155
Intel Core i5 3450 uses the LGA1155 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 53.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

?
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 3450 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i5 3450 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i5 3450 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 3450 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.5 GHz
Intel Core i5 3450 reaches a boost clock of 3.5 GHz which is lower than that of 80.4% of processors and equal to that of 3.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i5 3450 has a base clock of 4x3.1 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i5 3450 uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i5 3450 is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i5 3450 has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i5 3450 has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i5 3450 has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i5 3450 supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i5 3450 supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

?
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i5 3450 supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 3450 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 2500
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 2500
Intel Core i5 3450 uses the Intel HD Graphics 2,500 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 72.7% of processors and equal to that in 1.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

6
Intel Core i5 3450 has 6 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 83.8% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

650 MHz
Intel Core i5 3450 has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 3450 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 58.1% of processors and equal to 1.3% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

77 W
Intel Core i5 3450 has a TDP of 77 W which is higher than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

77 W
Intel Core i5 3450 has a base power of 77 W which is higher than that of 86.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

1 seconds
Intel Core i5 3450 has a turbo duration of 1 seconds which is longer than that of 96.4% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 3450 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 3450 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 3450 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 3450 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 3450 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 3450 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 6.67x more popular
    Intel Core i5 3450 is more popular than the average processor (6.67 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 3450 is more popular than the average processor (6.67 vs 1,000).6.67 vs 1
  • 10x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 3450 is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 3450 is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).£25 vs £250
  • 1.4% higher user score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.11 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.11 vs 8,000).8.11 vs 8
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
    When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=350 MHz

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 3450 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 3450 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 3450 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 3450 has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
    April 2,012
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 3450 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 89.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (290 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 58.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (606 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 74% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (126 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 87.4% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (606 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 18.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 24.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,874 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 57.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,522 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 3450 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 3450 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 3450 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 3450 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i5 3450 uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 3450 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 75% fewer GPU execution units
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (6 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i5 3450 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 2,500 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 71.1% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 3450 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 71.1% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher TDP than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 27 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (1 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 89.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (290 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (290 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.290 vs 2,783
  • 58.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (606 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (606 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.606 vs 1,471
  • 74% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (126 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (126 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.126 vs 484
  • 87.4% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (606 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (606 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.606 vs 4,793
  • 18.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
  • 24.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,874 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 3450 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,874 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,874 vs 2,483
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i5 3450 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 3450 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 3450?

  • Solid performance for its age in everyday multitasking and gaming
  • Excellent power efficiency with a 77W TDP
  • Runs relatively cool even under load
  • Supports PCI Express 3.0 for better compatibility with modern GPUs
  • Capable of modest overclocking up to 3.7 GHz - 3.9 GHz on certain motherboards
  • Reliable and durable for long-term use

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 3450?

  • Integrated Intel HD 2500 graphics are weak and unsuitable for modern gaming
  • Locked multiplier limits significant overclocking potential compared to 'K' series models
  • Lacks Hyper-Threading, featuring only 4 physical cores and 4 threads
  • Officially supports only up to DDR3-1600 memory speeds
  • Can become a bottleneck in highly CPU-intensive modern AAA titles or simulation games
  • Missing some advanced features found in higher-end models, such as VT-d and vPro

Expert reviews

P
pcreview.co.uk
05/09/2012

The PCReview article by user "windwithme" analyzes the Intel Core i5-3450, a 22nm Ivy Bridge CPU offering 4 cores, 3.1GHz base clock, and high energy efficiency, consuming 25-35% less power than predecessors. Pros include low-power consumption and improved 3D transistor technology, while a key con is the limited 10-14% performance boost over the previous generation. The review...Read more

S
servethehome.com
06/09/2012

The ServeTheHome review highlights the Intel Core i5-3450 as a solid, budget-friendly Ivy Bridge processor running at 3.1GHz to 3.5GHz, offering impressive power efficiency with a 77W TDP. A key pro is its cool-running nature and integrated Intel HD 2500 graphics, ideal for general desktop workloads. However, significant cons include a lack of support for VT-d, TXT, vPro, and ECC...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
29/03/2026

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core processor (3.1 GHz base, 3.5 GHz boost) that functions as a reliable, mid-range chip for general computing and entry-level gaming on LGA 1155 systems. Key pros include solid everyday multitasking performance, high power efficiency (77W TDP), and support for PCI-Express Gen 3. However, cons include a locked multiplier limiting...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Q2 2012

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a 2012-era 22nm Ivy Bridge desktop processor (3.10 GHz base, 3.50 GHz turbo) that achieved a PassMark multi-thread score of 4,516, making it suitable today only for light tasks. Key benefits include improved energy efficiency over its predecessors and reliable performance for general computing, while its primary limitations are a locked multiplier...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
N/A

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a 2012 Ivy Bridge quad-core processor that provided a balanced, efficient, and reliable mid-range option at release. Pros included solid single-core performance, support for PCIe Gen 3, and a manageable 77W TDP. Conversely, cons included a lack of Hyper-Threading, a locked multiplier hindering overclocking, and poor integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500...Read more

C
community.hwbot.org
05/09/2012

The Intel Core i5-3450 review by windwithme highlights the Ivy Bridge architecture's 10–14% IPC performance gain and 25–35% lower power consumption compared to Sandy Bridge, though it runs slightly hotter. Utilizing a Z77 chipset, the 3.1GHz processor was overclocked to 3.7GHz via ratio adjustments, offering impressive efficiency despite being a non-K, limited-multiplier model....Read more

O
overclock.net
05/09/2012

This Overclock.net review presents the Intel Core i5-3450 as a balanced 22nm Ivy Bridge CPU (4C4T, 3.1GHz) that can be overclocked to a stable 3.7GHz via Turbo Boost on Z77 boards, offering about a 12% boost in multi-core performance. Key advantages include high 22nm efficiency with a 77W TDP (25-35% lower power consumption than Sandy Bridge) and strong thermal performance (61–67°C)...Read more

P
pcgameshardware.de
15/05/2012

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core processor with a 3.1 GHz base clock and 3.5 GHz boost, featuring 6 MB of Smart Cache and a 77W TDP. Its quad-core architecture offers a significant performance boost over dual-core alternatives, paired with excellent power efficiency and temperature management. However, performance is limited by a lack of Hyper-Threading and...Read more

G
gamestar.de
23/05/2012

The GameStar review highlights the Intel Core i5-3450 as a cost-effective, energy-efficient entry into the Ivy Bridge architecture, utilizing a 22nm process to offer strong gaming and multitasking performance, beating AMD’s top-tier FX 8150 at the time. Key pros include excellent power efficiency and support for PCI-Express Gen 3 and DDR3-1600 memory, positioning it as a high-value...Read more

T
tomshardware.fr
23/04/2012

The Tom's Hardware review of the Intel Core i7-3770K highlights it as a "tick-plus" update, marking the move to 22nm manufacturing and 3D Tri-Gate transistors, resulting in better energy efficiency with a 77W TDP. Key pros include the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 with DirectX 11 support, native USB 3.0/PCIe 3.0, and improved Quick Sync performance, offering a strong upgrade...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
29/05/2012

The ASUS P8Z77 WS is a high-performance workstation motherboard based on the Intel Z77 chipset, supporting 2nd/3rd generation Core processors and featuring a 16 phase digital power design for superior stability. It is specifically designed for 24/7 operation and boasts extensive multi-GPU capabilities, supporting 4-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX via an onboard PLX chip. The board...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
25/07/2012

The Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H-WB WIFI is a high-end LGA1155 motherboard supporting Sandy/Ivy Bridge processors, featuring Ultra Durable 4 technology for enhanced durability and a dedicated expansion card for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The board excels in performance and build quality, boasting robust overclocking capabilities via a 12 phase power design and a feature-rich layout including...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
06/07/2012

The Asus P8Z77-V PRO/THUNDERBOLT is a high-end LGA 1155 motherboard for Ivy Bridge/Sandy Bridge CPUs, featuring a 12 phase digital power design for stable overclocking, SMART DIGI+ technology, and an integrated Thunderbolt port for 10 Gbps data transfers. It offers extensive connectivity via Wi-Fi GO! and supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP, along with the user-friendly UEFI BIOS and USB...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
13/06/2012

The ASUS P8Z77-V PRO is a robust Intel Z77 motherboard designed for enthusiasts, featuring a 12-phase power design with SMART DIGI+ technology for precise voltage control. It offers excellent overclocking potential, similar to higher-end models, and supports Ivy Bridge processors. Key advantages include the bundled Wi-Fi GO! module, USB BIOS Flashback, and Lucid Virtu MVP for...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
17/05/2012

The Profesional Review analysis of the Gigabyte Z77X-D3H highlights a mid-range, LGA 1155 ATX motherboard utilizing the Intel Z77 chipset and Ultra Durable 4 technology for enhanced durability. Key features include 3D BIOS (Dual UEFI) with mouse control, support for 2nd/3rd gen Intel CPUs, and an mSATA slot for SSD caching. Pros include excellent connectivity, such as six USB 3.0...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
31/03/2012

The Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H is an entry-level Micro-ATX board for Ivy Bridge/Sandy Bridge CPUs, featuring the Z77 chipset with USB 3.0, PCIe Gen 3.0, and Ultra Durable 4 technology for reliability. It supports 2-way SLI/CrossFireX, includes an mSATA slot for caching, and offers versatile video outputs (HDMI/DVI/VGA). However, its 4-pin CPU header limits overclocking, the...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
16/06/2012

The Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3 is a high-end E-ATX Z77 motherboard designed for LGA 1155 processors, featuring a distinct green/black military aesthetic, a 12-phase digital power design, and an integrated PLX PEX 8747 bridge enabling 4-way SLI/CrossFireX. It boasts premium onboard Creative Sound Core3D audio with Nichicon capacitors and dual networking, including a Qualcomm Atheros Killer...Read more

M
muycomputer.com
04/06/2012

The ASUS ET2411INTI is a 23.6-inch, high-performance all-in-one desktop designed to compete with the Apple iMac, featuring third-generation Intel Core "Ivy Bridge" processors in a compact, space-saving design. Key advantages include strong productivity performance from the Intel Core i5-3450 processor, capable Nvidia GeForce GT 630M graphics, a sharp touchscreen, and versatile...Read more

T
techzine.nl
23/04/2012

The Intel Core i7-3770K (Ivy Bridge) introduced a 22nm manufacturing process and 3D Tri-Gate transistors, offering improved efficiency with a 77W TDP, though CPU performance gains over the previous Sandy Bridge generation were modest at 10-15%. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 featured significant upgrades, delivering a 20-50% performance increase over previous versions,...Read more

T
tweakers.net
23/04/2012

The 2012 launch of Intel's Ivy Bridge processors introduced the 22nm manufacturing process and 3D Tri-Gate (FinFET) transistors, acting as a die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture. This generation improved efficiency with a 77W TDP for top-tier desktop models and added native support for USB 3.0, PCIe 3.0, and DirectX 11. Key advantages highlighted included a 45% to 100%...Read more

T
tweakers.net
19/01/2013

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a mid-range Ivy Bridge processor that delivers a substantial performance upgrade over previous dual-core or Core 2 Quad systems. Operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz with a 3.5 GHz boost, this quad-core CPU provides excellent efficiency with a 77W TDP, often maintaining stable, cool temperatures. Key strengths include an excellent price-to-performance...Read more

T
tweakers.net
05/06/2012

The Intel Core i5-3450 is a quad-core Ivy Bridge processor operating at a 3.1 GHz base clock with a 3.5 GHz boost, positioned as an efficient, mid-range option for daily computing and gaming. Key advantages include impressive power efficiency, low temperatures, support for PCI-Express Gen 3, and native 1600 MHz DDR3 memory. Performance-wise, it provides a substantial upgrade over...Read more

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