CPU Comparison
Core i5-3350P vs Core i5-3450S
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 acceleration
- Low compute capacity
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU to function
- 4 cores limit modern gaming performance
- Acceptable for older eSports titles
- HD 2500 is useless for modern gaming
- Low base clock limits CPU performance
- Suitable only for retro or 2D games
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- Uses outdated DDR3 memory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
- Low 65W TDP
- Good turbo boost frequency (3.5 GHz)
- Runs cool and quiet
- Reliable quad-core design
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.8 GHz
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- HD 2500 graphics are very weak
- Not supported by Windows 11
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 i5-3450S
- AMD A10-5700Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-3335SRival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3225Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500SRival
Desktop
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Modern low-power alternative with vastly superior integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i5-3450Alt
Higher base clock if power consumption is less of a concern.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Excellent modern alternative for SFF builds with Vega graphics.
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 reliable low-power CPU for 2012 SFF builds, but outdated and slow for modern workloads.
Best for: Restoring an old SFF office PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-3450S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-3350P (69 W), Core i5-3450S (65 W).
Do Core i5-3350P and Core i5-3450S use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.