Intel Core i5-2450P vs Intel Core i5-3475S Comparison

The Intel Core i5-3475S and Intel Core i5-2450P are two locked, quad-core desktop processors from the same socket generation, but the benchmark data shows a clear split. The i5-3475S wins 7 of the 8 head-to-head tests, with its Cinebench victories ranging from 1.4% to 2% and a Geekbench single-core win of 2.9%. The i5-2450P’s sole victory is a decisive 3.6% lead in Geekbench multi-core, a result that highlights the architectural trade-offs between the two. The i5-3475S is the better choice for single-threaded and most rendering workloads, while the i5-2450P offers a specific advantage in the Geekbench multi-core metric, though its higher 95W TDP and lack of integrated graphics make it a less versatile option overall.

The Verdict

For most users, the Intel Core i5-3475S is the superior processor. The data shows it leads in 7 out of 8 benchmark comparisons, including all four Cinebench tests (R15, R20, R23) in both single-core and multi-core configurations. Its victories are consistent, with multi-core deltas of 1.4% to 1.5% and single-core deltas of 1.4% to 2%. The i5-3475S also provides integrated graphics, which the i5-2450P completely lacks, making the 3475S a more complete package for a desktop build without a discrete GPU. Its 65W TDP is also significantly lower than the 2450P's 95W, indicating greater efficiency.

The Intel Core i5-2450P is only preferable in a narrow scenario: if the Geekbench multi-core score is the primary performance metric. In that specific test, the 2450P scores 1796 versus the 3475S's 1731, a 3.6% advantage. However, this single win does not offset its losses in every other benchmark, its lack of an iGPU, and its higher power draw. Users building a system with a dedicated graphics card and prioritizing Geekbench multi-core performance might consider the 2450P, but the data overwhelmingly favors the 3475S for general use and rendering tasks.

Specification Differences

The two processors share a core and thread count (4 cores, 4 threads), the same socket (Intel Socket 1155), identical L1 (64 KB per core) and L2 (256 KB per core) caches, and the same 6 MB shared L3 cache. Both support DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration and offer PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Neither is multiplier-unlocked. The key differences are in clock speeds, power, and features:

• Base Clock: The i5-2450P has a higher base clock of 3.20 GHz compared to the i5-3475S's 2.90 GHz.
• Boost Clock: The i5-3475S has a higher boost clock of 3.60 GHz, while the i5-2450P boosts to 3.50 GHz.
• TDP: The i5-3475S is rated at 65W, while the i5-2450P is rated at a much higher 95W.
• Integrated Graphics: The i5-3475S includes Intel HD 4000 graphics. The i5-2450P has no integrated graphics.
• Process Node: The i5-3475S is built on a 22 nm process, while the i5-2450P uses a larger 32 nm process.
• Transistors & Die Size: The i5-3475S packs 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die. The i5-2450P has 1,160 million transistors on a larger 216 mm² die.
• Release Date: The i5-2450P was released earlier on 2012-01-29, while the i5-3475S followed on 2012-05-31.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-3475S wins all single-core benchmarks. It leads by 2% in Cinebench R15 (52 vs 51), 1.4% in Cinebench R20 (218 vs 215), 1.6% in Cinebench R23 (520 vs 512), and 2.9% in Geekbench (607 vs 590).

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-2450P win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the i5-2450P wins the Geekbench multi-core test. It scores 1796 compared to the i5-3475S's 1731, a 3.6% advantage.

Q: Can I use these processors without a dedicated graphics card?

A: Only the Intel Core i5-3475S has integrated graphics (Intel HD 4000). The Intel Core i5-2450P has no integrated graphics, so it requires a discrete GPU for display output.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?

A: The Intel Core i5-3475S has a lower TDP of 65W, compared to the 95W TDP of the Intel Core i5-2450P.

Q: Do both processors have the same amount of cache?

A: Yes, both have 6 MB of shared L3 cache, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 64 KB of L1 per core.

Q: Which CPU performs better in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i5-3475S performs better, scoring 3685 against the i5-2450P's 3632, a 1.5% difference.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is the divergence between the Cinebench and Geekbench multi-core tests. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core, the i5-3475S consistently wins with deltas of 1.4%, 1.4%, and 1.5%, respectively. Scores are 371 vs 366, 1547 vs 1525, and 3685 vs 3632. This suggests the i5-3475S's architecture is better suited to rendering workloads. However, in Geekbench multi-core, the tables turn completely. The i5-2450P scores 1796, while the i5-3475S scores 1731, giving the 2450P a substantial 3.6% lead. This is the largest delta in any test and the only one won by the i5-2450P.

Single-core performance paints a consistent picture, with the i5-3475S winning all four tests. The margins are tight but uniform: 2% in Cinebench R15 (52 vs 51), 1.4% in Cinebench R20 (218 vs 215), 1.6% in Cinebench R23 (520 vs 512), and 2.9% in Geekbench single-core (607 vs 590). The i5-3475S's higher boost clock of 3.60 GHz versus the 2450P's 3.50 GHz likely contributes to these wins. Despite the 2450P's higher base clock of 3.20 GHz, it cannot match the 3475S's peak single-thread performance. The average benchmark scores reflect the overall balance, with the i5-3475S averaging 1091 and the i5-2450P averaging 1086, though both sit at the 30th percentile of all CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural difference lies in the manufacturing process and microarchitecture. The i5-3475S is built on Ivy Bridge using a 22 nm process, while the i5-2450P uses the older Sandy Bridge architecture on a 32 nm process. This is reflected in the physical characteristics: the i5-3475S has 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die, whereas the i5-2450P has fewer transistors (1,160 million) on a larger die (216 mm²). The newer 22 nm process allows the i5-3475S to achieve a higher boost clock (3.60 GHz) and lower TDP (65W) despite a lower base clock (2.90 GHz versus 3.20 GHz).

The most significant functional difference is the presence of integrated graphics. The i5-3475S includes Intel HD 4000, making it a self-contained solution. The i5-2450P has no integrated graphics, a deliberate omission that likely contributes to its higher 95W TDP. Both CPUs share the same cache hierarchy (64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, 6 MB L3), memory support (DDR3, dual-channel), and PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes). The i5-2450P's earlier release date (2012-01-29) and the i5-3475S's later release (2012-05-31) also reflect the generational gap.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-3475S is the clear winner for rendering and single-threaded applications. It wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests, which are indicative of 3D rendering performance. Its consistent single-core victories across Cinebench and Geekbench make it the better choice for everyday tasks, office work, and any application that relies primarily on one or two cores. The inclusion of Intel HD 4000 graphics means it can power a system without a discrete GPU, and its 65W TDP makes it more suitable for compact or power-conscious builds.

The Intel Core i5-2450P has a single, specific area of advantage: Geekbench multi-core. With a 3.6% lead, it is the better option if this specific benchmark is the primary workload indicator. This could suggest better performance in certain multi-threaded, non-rendering applications that Geekbench models. However, this win is isolated. The 2450P loses in every other test, requires a discrete GPU, and consumes more power. Its higher base clock of 3.20 GHz might offer a slight edge in sustained multi-threaded workloads that do not utilize boost clocks effectively, but the benchmark data does not support a broad recommendation. For a user with a dedicated graphics card who specifically values Geekbench multi-core performance, the 2450P is the winner; for everyone else, the i5-3475S is the more capable and versatile processor.