CPU Comparison
Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-3450
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3350P is a unique 3rd generation Ivy Bridge processor designed specifically for budget gamers and system builders who plan to use a dedicated graphics card. Launched in September 2012, the 'P' suffix indicates that it lacks integrated graphics entirely. This allowed Intel to price it slightly lower while offering higher clock speeds. It features 4 cores and 4 threads, operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 3.3 GHz. With a 69W TDP, it is remarkably power-efficient for a quad-core chip of its era. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for expansion. The removal of the iGPU meant that every transistor was dedicated to CPU performance, making it a favorite for cheap gaming rigs paired with cards like the GTX 650 Ti or HD 7850. It remains a notable example of Intel segmenting the market for cost-conscious enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Low core count limits compute
- No AI hardware acceleration
- AVX instructions present but too slow for modern AI
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU to function
- 4 cores limit modern gaming performance
- Acceptable for older eSports titles
- Low clock speeds limit frame rates
- 4 cores cause stuttering in modern games
- HD 2500 graphics are useless for gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Affordable price point at launch
- Low 69W TDP for cool operation
- Good clock speeds for its generation
- Fully featured CPU instruction set (AVX, AES-NI)
Cons
- Lacks integrated graphics
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Good single-core performance for 2012
- Low power consumption for its generation
- Supports PCIe 3.0
- Reliable quad-core design for basic tasks
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Integrated HD 2500 is very weak
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-3350P
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-2380PRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3220Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600KRival
Desktop
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance and integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-headIncludes integrated graphics for similar CPU performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Modern budget alternative with capable integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-3770Alt
Hyper-threading and higher clocks on the same socket.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Massive multi-threading upgrade for a small budget.
Core i5-3450
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3220Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600KRival
Desktop
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance and instructions.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative with integrated graphics capable of light gaming.
Slightly higher clock speeds on the same socket if buying used.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-3770Alt
Hyper-threading and higher clocks on the same LGA 1151 motherboard.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Massive leap in multi-threaded performance for a small budget.
Our Verdict on Each
A clever cost-saving CPU for 2012 gamers, but the lack of an iGPU and outdated architecture make it obsolete today.
Best for: Building a retro gaming PC from used parts
Read the full reviewA solid workhorse for 2012, but its 4-core/4-thread design and HD 2500 graphics make it obsolete for modern workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a $10 used office PC for basic web browsing
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-3350P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-3350P (69 W), Core i5-3450 (77 W).
Do Core i5-3350P and Core i5-3450 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.