CPU Comparison
Core i5-3450S vs Core i7-6785R
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
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low compute capacity
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- HD 2500 is useless for modern gaming
- Low base clock limits CPU performance
- Suitable only for retro or 2D games
No data
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- Uses outdated DDR3 memory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
- Powerful Iris Pro 580 integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM boosts CPU and GPU performance
- Low 65W TDP
- Good 3.9 GHz single-core performance
Cons
- Soldered BGA package (cannot be upgraded)
- Hard to source for consumers
- Only 4 cores
- Older 14nm process
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.
Core i7-6785R
- AMD A10-7890KRival
BGA Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5775RRival
BGA Desktop
- AMD A12-9800Rival
BGA Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5675RRival
BGA Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Newer, socketed alternative with strong Vega graphics.
- Intel Core i7-7700Alt
Better clocks on a standard socket.
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 unique BGA desktop CPU with exceptional integrated graphics for its era. Perfect for small form factor builds where a discrete GPU isn't possible.
Best for: Buying a used NUC or AIO with this chip pre-installed
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-3450S or Core i7-6785R?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-6785R comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Core i5-3450S and Core i7-6785R use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-3450S: LGA 1155, Core i7-6785R: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-6785R posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-6785R (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.