CPU Comparison
Core i5-3450S vs Intel Core i5-4570S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3450S is a low-power desktop processor released in April 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge lineup. Designed for small form factor PCs and AIOs, it features a 65W TDP, down from the standard 77W. It operates at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and can boost up to 3.5 GHz, providing a good balance between power consumption and burst performance. The processor includes 4 cores and 4 threads, alongside 6MB of L3 cache. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and features Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics. While the HD 2500 is basic, it suffices for media playback and standard display tasks. The 'S' suffix ensures it runs cooler than standard chips, making it ideal for compact systems where fan noise and thermals are a concern. It was a popular OEM choice for office machines and HTPCs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks well, but low base clock limits heavy multitasking.
Snappy for basic tasks, 6MB cache helps responsiveness.
Gaming
HD 2500 graphics are too weak for gaming; requires a dedicated GPU for any 3D workloads.
Handles older games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are possible but limited by 4 threads.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Highly efficient for its era, tailored for SFF systems.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its generation.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low compute capacity
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- Not suitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 2500 is useless for modern gaming
- Low base clock limits CPU performance
- Suitable only for retro or 2D games
- Needs a dedicated GPU for 3D gaming
- Suitable for e-sports titles from the 2010s
- Will bottleneck any GPU newer than a GTX 1060
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Uses outdated DDR3 memory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
Pros
- Low 65W TDP ideal for SFF builds
- Strong single-core performance for its era
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- 6MB L3 cache improves multitasking
Cons
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
- No official Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Lacks modern I/O like USB 3.1 Gen 2
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i5-4570S
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD FX-6350Rival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-4440Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
High-End APU
Unlocked variant for overclocking.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4770SAlt
Efficient hyper-threaded alternative for more threads.
Slightly newer Haswell Refresh with better clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XAlt
Modern budget alternative with SMT.
Much newer budget alternative with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA great efficiency-focused CPU for its time, still viable for basic legacy systems but not for modern workloads.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for older LGA 1150 office PCs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-3450S or Intel Core i5-4570S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4570S comes out ahead with a score of 6.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i5-3450S or Intel Core i5-4570S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570S leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Core i5-3450S and Intel Core i5-4570S.
Do Core i5-3450S and Intel Core i5-4570S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-3450S: LGA 1155, Intel Core i5-4570S: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4570S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570S (3,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.