CPU Comparison
Core i5-3450 vs Core i5-3335S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3450 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in April 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge architecture. Designed for the LGA 1155 socket, it brought the 22nm manufacturing process to the masses, offering a significant efficiency improvement over Sandy Bridge. This quad-core processor operates at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosts up to 3.5 GHz. It features 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The inclusion of Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics provided basic display capabilities, though it was not intended for gaming. With a 77W TDP, it balanced power consumption and performance adequately for its time. While it lacks Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier, it became a favorite for budget builders and system integrators, providing reliable performance for everyday computing and gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- AVX instructions present but too slow for modern AI
- No AI acceleration
- Low compute capacity
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low clock speeds limit frame rates
- 4 cores cause stuttering in modern games
- HD 2500 graphics are useless for gaming
- HD 4000 is insufficient for modern gaming
- Low base clock limits performance
- Suitable only for retro or 2D indie games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Uses outdated DDR3 memory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
Pros
- Low 65W TDP
- Includes HD 4000 graphics
- Good for basic media tasks
- Reliable quad-core design
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.7 GHz
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Not supported by Windows 11
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i5-3335S
- AMD A10-5700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3330SRival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3225Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400SRival
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 i5-3330Alt
Slightly higher base clock if power consumption is less of a concern.
- Intel Core i7-3770SAlt
Hyper-threading and more L3 cache on the same socket.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Excellent modern alternative for SFF builds with Vega graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA solid low-power CPU for 2012 SFF builds, offering decent integrated graphics, but outdated for modern computing.
Best for: Restoring an old SFF office PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-3450 or Core i5-3335S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-3335S comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-3335S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-3450 (77 W), Core i5-3335S (65 W).
Do Core i5-3450 and Core i5-3335S use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.