CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3450
Core i5-3550
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core i5-3450 vs Intel Core i5-3550
The Intel Core i5-3550 is the clear performance leader over the Intel Core i5-3450, winning all six head-to-head benchmark comparisons by a consistent margin. The data shows a uniform advantage for the i5-3550 across both single-core and multi-core workloads, with deltas ranging from 5.6% to 6.2%. This is not a case of one chip excelling in some tasks while faltering in others; the i5-3550 simply delivers more performance in every measured scenario, making it the superior choice for users who prioritize raw processing power.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The benchmark results are remarkably consistent, with the Intel Core i5-3550 outperforming the Intel Core i5-3450 by nearly identical percentages across all six tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-3550 scores 410 against the i5-3450’s 387, a 5.9% advantage. The single-core result in the same suite shows a similar story: 57 versus 54, a 5.6% edge for the i5-3550. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20, where the multi-core score is 1710 for the i5-3550 versus 1613 for the i5-3450 (6% delta), and the single-core score is 241 versus 227 (6.2% delta).
The largest relative win for the i5-3550 comes in Cinebench R20 single-core, where it leads by 6.2%. However, the absolute gap is most pronounced in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the i5-3550’s 4073-point score eclipses the i5-3450’s 3842-point result by 231 points. Even in Cinebench R23 single-core, the i5-3550’s 575 beats the i5-3450’s 542, a 6.1% improvement. Across all six head-to-head tests, the i5-3550 secures 6 wins, while the i5-3450 records 0 wins. The average benchmark scores reinforce this hierarchy: the i5-3550 averages 1178 points, landing between the Intel Core i5-4440 (1179) and the Intel Core i3-7320 (1173), while the i5-3450 averages 1166 points, sitting just below the AMD Opteron 6220 (1168). Both chips occupy the 33rd percentile of all CPUs, but the i5-3550 sits at the top of that tier.
Architecture Differences
Architecturally, the two processors are nearly identical, which explains their similar performance levels. Both are built on Intel’s Ivy Bridge architecture using a 22 nm process node, and both pack 1,400 million transistors onto a 160 mm² die. The core and thread configuration is the same: 4 cores and 4 threads. Cache hierarchies are also identical, with 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support matches as well, with both CPUs supporting dual-channel DDR3 and offering a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. Neither supports ECC memory, and both feature the integrated Intel HD 2500 graphics.
The only meaningful architectural differences lie in clock speeds and part numbers. The i5-3550 has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, while the i5-3450 has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. This 200 MHz advantage in both base and boost clocks is the primary driver of the benchmark deltas. Both chips use the Intel Socket 1155, are part of the Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) generation, and are classified as end-of-life desktop products. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not a distinguishing factor. The part numbers differ (SR0P0 for the i5-3550, SR0PF for the i5-3450), and both were released on the same date, April 28, 2012.
FAQ
Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core workloads?
A: The Intel Core i5-3550 is faster across all multi-core tests. It scores 410 in Cinebench R15, 1710 in Cinebench R20, and 4073 in Cinebench R23, compared to the i5-3450’s 387, 1613, and 3842, respectively. The multi-core deltas range from 5.9% to 6%.
Q: Is the single-core performance difference significant?
A: Yes, the i5-3550 leads by 5.6% in Cinebench R15 single-core (57 vs. 54) and by 6.2% in Cinebench R20 single-core (241 vs. 227). In Cinebench R23 single-core, the i5-3550’s 575 beats the i5-3450’s 542 by 6.1%.
Q: Do these CPUs have the same integrated graphics?
A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-3550 and the Intel Core i5-3450 feature the Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics. This is not a differentiating factor between them.
Q: What is the TDP of each processor?
A: Both the Intel Core i5-3550 and the Intel Core i5-3450 have a TDP of 77 watts. Thermal management requirements are identical.
Q: Are there any benchmark tests where the i5-3450 wins?
A: No. In the head-to-head benchmark data, the Intel Core i5-3450 does not win any of the six tests. The i5-3550 wins all six.
Q: How do these CPUs compare to their nearest rivals?
A: The i5-3550’s average score of 1178 is essentially tied with the Intel Core i5-4440 (1179, -0.1% delta) and slightly ahead of the Intel Core i3-7320 (1173, 0.4% delta). The i5-3450’s average of 1166 is just behind the AMD Opteron 6220 (1168, -0.2% delta) and the Intel Core i5-3570S (1169, -0.2% delta).
The Verdict
The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-3550 is the better processor. It wins every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, with a consistent performance advantage of roughly 6% across both single-core and multi-core tests. The i5-3550’s higher base clock (3.30 GHz vs. 3.10 GHz) and boost clock (3.70 GHz vs. 3.50 GHz) translate directly into measurable performance gains. The i5-3450 is not a poor chip; its average benchmark score of 1166 places it alongside the Intel Core i5-3570S and Intel Core i7-2960XM in the nearest rivals list. However, the i5-3550’s average score of 1178 puts it in a slightly higher performance tier, comparable to the Intel Core i5-4440. For any user choosing between these two specific CPUs, the i5-3550 is the clear pick, provided the price difference is acceptable. The launch MSRP for the i5-3550 is $194, while the i5-3450 has a launch MSRP of $174.
Specification Differences
The only fields where the two processors differ are clock speeds and part numbers. The Intel Core i5-3550 has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-3450 has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. The part number for the i5-3550 is SR0P0, and for the i5-3450 it is SR0PF. All other specifications are identical: 4 cores, 4 threads, 77 W TDP, Intel Socket 1155, Ivy Bridge architecture, 22 nm process node, 1,400 million transistors, 160 mm² die size, 64 KB L1 cache per core, 256 KB L2 cache per core, 6 MB shared L3 cache, DDR3 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, no ECC memory support, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics, Desktop market segment, end-of-life production status, and a locked multiplier.
Where Each One Wins
The Intel Core i5-3550 wins in every category measured. For users running multi-threaded applications like video rendering or 3D modeling, the i5-3550’s Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 4073 provides a 6% improvement over the i5-3450’s 3842. For single-threaded tasks such as older games or lightly-threaded productivity apps, the i5-3550’s Cinebench R23 single-core score of 575 beats the i5-3450’s 542 by 6.1%. The i5-3450 does not have a single benchmark win to its name; it trails in all six head-to-head tests. There is no workload category where the i5-3450 is the preferred choice based on performance. The only scenario where the i5-3450 could be considered is if the buyer strictly wants to minimize initial cost, given its $20 lower launch MSRP, but that is a purchasing decision rather than a performance advantage. The benchmark data consistently favors the i5-3550, making it the default recommendation for anyone weighing these two Ivy Bridge quad-core parts.