Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i5-3450 (Intel, 2012) and Core i3-3240 (Intel, 2012) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i5-3450 is about 44.7% faster
Both use the same LGA1155 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i5-3450 | i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 5,500 | 3,800 |
| Generation | 3rd Gen | 3rd Gen |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| Release Year | 2012 | 2012 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | Radeon RX 470 | GeForce GTX 950 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i5-3450 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Either works (same LGA1155 socket) |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i3-3240 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i5-3450 is about 44.7% higher by score (i5-3450: 5500 points / i3-3240: 3800 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Both are 3rd Gen-generation CPUs.Both use the same LGA1155 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Radeon RX 470 pairs well with i5-3450 and GeForce GTX 950 pairs well with i3-3240. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
