Intel Core i5-3450S vs Intel Core i5-3475S Comparison
Intel Core i5-3450S
Core i5-3475S
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core i5-3450S vs Intel Core i5-3475S
The Verdict
The benchmark data clearly separates these two Ivy Bridge desktop processors. The Intel Core i5-3450S is the stronger CPU for multi-threaded and single-threaded rendering workloads, winning six out of eight head-to-head tests. The Intel Core i5-3475S, however, takes the lead in Geekbench tests, with a 4.3% advantage in single-core and a 1.1% advantage in multi-core.
Users focused on Cinebench rendering should choose the i5-3450S. Its wins are consistent but modest, ranging from 1.6% to 1.9% across all Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests. The i5-3475S is the better pick for Geekbench-style workloads, where its higher base and boost clocks translate into measurable performance gains. For general desktop use, the difference between the two is small, as the average benchmark scores are only 8 points apart (1099 for the i5-3450S versus 1091 for the i5-3475S).
Architecture Differences
Both processors share the same fundamental design. They are built on the Ivy Bridge architecture using a 22 nm process node, fabricated by Intel. Both have 4 cores and 4 threads, with a 65 W TDP. The die size is identical at 160 mm², and the transistor count is the same at 1,400 million.
The cache hierarchy is also identical: 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Both support DDR3 memory through a dual-channel memory bus, and both lack ECC memory support. They share the same Intel Socket 1155 and provide PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.
The key architectural difference lies in the integrated graphics. The i5-3450S comes with Intel HD 2500, while the i5-3475S is equipped with Intel HD 4000. This difference does not affect the CPU benchmark scores but is a notable feature distinction for users who rely on integrated graphics output. The i5-3475S also has slightly higher clock speeds: a 2.90 GHz base clock and a 3.60 GHz boost clock, compared to the i5-3450S's 2.80 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost.
Where Each One Wins
The i5-3450S dominates in Cinebench workloads. It wins all six Cinebench tests across three different versions (R15, R20, R23) in both multi-core and single-core categories. The deltas are small, between 1.6% and 1.9%, but they are consistent. This suggests the i5-3450S has a slight efficiency advantage in rendering tasks, despite its lower clock speeds.
The i5-3475S wins in Geekbench. Its single-core score of 607 beats the i5-3450S's 581, a 4.3% gap. Its multi-core score of 1731 beats the i5-3450S's 1712, a 1.1% gap. These wins align with the i5-3475S's higher base and boost clocks, which provide a measurable edge in workloads that scale with clock speed.
The data shows a clear split: Cinebench favors the i5-3450S, Geekbench favors the i5-3475S. The i5-3450S also has a higher average benchmark score (1099 versus 1091) and a slightly better percentile ranking (31st versus 30th percentile of all CPUs). Users running rendering software should prioritize the i5-3450S; users running Geekbench-style applications should consider the i5-3475S.
FAQ
Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?
A: The Intel Core i5-3475S has a boost clock of 3.60 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-3450S has a boost clock of 3.50 GHz.
Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?
A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 4 threads.
Q: What is the difference in integrated graphics?
A: The i5-3450S uses Intel HD 2500, while the i5-3475S uses Intel HD 4000.
Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?
A: The i5-3450S wins with a score of 3747, compared to the i5-3475S's 3685, a 1.7% difference.
Q: Which processor wins in Geekbench multi-core?
A: The i5-3475S wins with a score of 1731, compared to the i5-3450S's 1712, a 1.1% difference.
Q: Are both CPUs based on the same architecture?
A: Yes, both are based on the Ivy Bridge architecture on a 22 nm process node.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The head-to-head results show a dominant performance for the i5-3450S in Cinebench. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-3450S scores 377 versus 371, a 1.6% margin. In single-core, it scores 53 versus 52, a 1.9% margin. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20: multi-core 1573 versus 1547 (1.7%), single-core 222 versus 218 (1.8%). In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score is 3747 versus 3685 (1.7%), and single-core is 529 versus 520 (1.7%). Every Cinebench test follows the same pattern, with the i5-3450S ahead by roughly 1.6% to 1.9%.
The Geekbench results flip the outcome. In Geekbench multi-core, the i5-3475S scores 1731 versus 1712, a 1.1% advantage. In single-core, the i5-3475S scores 607 versus 581, a significant 4.3% advantage. This is the largest delta in any test. The i5-3475S's higher clocks appear to provide a clear benefit in Geekbench's workload, while the i5-3450S maintains a slight edge in Cinebench.
The overall win count is 6 for the i5-3450S and 2 for the i5-3475S. However, the magnitude of the i5-3475S's Geekbench single-core win (4.3%) is more than double any of the i5-3450S's Cinebench wins. The average benchmark scores reflect this balance: the i5-3450S averages 1099, the i5-3475S averages 1091. The percentile rankings are close as well: 31st versus 30th percentile of all CPUs.
Specification Differences
The two processors differ in several specification fields. The base clock is 2.80 GHz for the i5-3450S and 2.90 GHz for the i5-3475S. The boost clock is 3.50 GHz for the i5-3450S and 3.60 GHz for the i5-3475S. The integrated graphics differ: Intel HD 2500 on the i5-3450S, Intel HD 4000 on the i5-3475S. The release dates also differ, with the i5-3450S launching on 2012-04-28 and the i5-3475S on 2012-05-31. The part numbers are SR0P2 for the i5-3450S and SR0PP for the i5-3475S.
All other specifications are identical. Both have 4 cores, 4 threads, 65 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, no ECC memory, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), and a locked multiplier. Neither processor has a launch MSRP recorded in the database.