Overview and testing of the Intel Core i5-3450 processor on the Ivy Bridge core The review is completely copied from easycom.com.ua. For which they are very grateful.
Model- Intel Core i5-3450
Marking- SR0PF
CPU socket- LGA1155
Clock frequency, GHz - 3,1
Maximum frequency in Turbo Boost, GHz - 3,5
Factor - 31
Bus frequency, MHz - 100
L1 cache size (These Instructions), KB- 4x32, 4x32
L2 cache size, KB- 4x256
L3 cache size, KB- 6144 (6 MB)
Core- Ivy Bridge
Number of cores / threads - 4/4
Instruction support- MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE3S, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EM64T, VT-x, AES, AVX, AES-NI
DMI- 5.0 GT / s
Power supply, V- Not more than 1.38
Power dissipation, W - 77
Critical temperature, В° C - ...
Technical process- 22 nm
Technology support- Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology, Enhanced Halt State (C1E), Execute Disable Bit, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT-x), Intel Flex Memory Access, Intel Fast Memory Access, Intel HD Graphics 2500, Intel Trusted Execution, SMEP (Supervisor Mode Execution Protection), PAIR (Power Aware Interrupt Routing)
Built-in memory controllerMaximum memory capacity, GB - 32
Types of memory- DDR3-1333 / 1600
The number of memory channels - 2
Maximum bandwidth, GB / s - 25,6
ECC support- Not
Intel HD Graphics 2500 integrated graphics coreComputing conveyors, pcs - 6
Operating frequency, MHz - ...
Maximum frequency Turbo Boost, MHz - ...
The amount of memory used, GB - ...
Supported APIs- DirectX 11 (Shader Model 4.1), OpenGL 3.1
Interface- Intel FDI (2.7 GT / s)
Proprietary Technologies- Intel Quick Sync Video, Intel InTRU 3D, Intel Clear Video (ACE, TCC, STE), Next Generation Intel Clear Video Technology HD
HDCP support- There is
Video decoding acceleration- Coding: H.264, MPEG2; Decoding: MPEG2, WMV9 / VC-1, AVC; Dual video decode
Not so long ago there was an official announcement of processors manufactured according to the 22-nm process technology. This event has produced considerable response in IT-sphere, because initially the public expected major changes in the level of productivity, which is primarily due to changes in the very architecture of the transistors. Briefly new items have the following changes: transition to a thin (22 nm) manufacturing process; the use of 3-D transistors (TriGate); integration into the PCI Express 3.0 CPU controller; improved performance of the graphics core; implementation of additional regulations aimed at improving the security of the system. More clearly, this information is presented in the slides below.
The appearance of the package does not stand out for any delight and fully corresponds to the overall design, which is used for Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processors of the second generation, and now the third one.
The manufacturer emphasizes the key features of the model, namely:
- The presence of 4 cores and the execution of tasks in 4 threads;
- Support for Intel Turbo Boost 2.0;
- Support for Intel Smart Cache;
- Dual-channel memory controller integrated into the CPU;
- Dual channel DDR3 memory support;
- Availability of a three-year limited warranty;
- Availability of integrated graphics core Intel HD Graphics 2500.
The new generation of processors has been upgraded graphics core. So when you meet the name Intel HD Graphics 2500, you should understand that this is an updated video core of the Ivy Bridge processor with support for DirectX 11, but it is not the maximum performance. Maximum performance is currently provided by Intel HD Graphics 4000, which is equipped with top-end solutions from the Intel Core i5 / i7 families.
As usual, a white sticker is placed on the upper side cover with the indication: processor model (i5-3450); nominal clock frequency (3.10 GHz); cache size (6 MB); processor socket (LGA 1155); indication of TDP of the processor (77 W), serial number and product code.
Included with the CPU Intel Core i5-3450 are: the cooling system, the processor itself and instructions for installing the processor, which also contains information about the warranty and a proprietary label indicating the processor family.
As a complete cooling system uses the familiar cooler E97378-001. It has successfully established itself as a quality solution that is capable of providing a normal temperature regime of the CPU. As for the design, it has not undergone any changes.
On the heat distribution cover, as is the case with any other CPU, the model, processor clock frequency, marking and place of production are indicated (Malaysia).
On the back of the processor is placed a contact group of the socket LGA 1155. If you remember well the appearance of the central part of processors based on the Sandy Bridge architecture, you will easily be able to distinguish between products made of 22-nm and 32-nm process technology. As for the potential for an upgrade, the problems of representatives of the owners of Sandy Bridge is not as new items will work on motherboards with Intel chipsets 6th (if the manufacturer has prepared the necessary firmware) and Intel 7 series. The same applies to the use of the previous generation of processors based on the new motherboard chipsets.
The characteristics of the tested Intel Core i5-3450 processor are confirmed by the auxiliary utility CPU-Z.
According to her testimony, we see that the processor is made according to the 22-nm process technology. The voltage on the core is 1.104 V, while the processor clock frequency at the time of reading was 3110 MHz. As for the other characteristics, they remained unchanged.
The processor's cache memory is distributed as follows: 64 KB of the first-level cache memory per core, of which 32 KB is used for data caching and as much for instructions; 256 KB of second-level cache per core and L3 cache is common to the entire processor, and its volume is 6 MB. This distribution tells us about the maximum relationship with solutions based on Sandy Bridge architecture.
The built-in dual-channel DDR3 memory controller is capable of supporting both DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 modules, and in case of emergency, overclocking fans can easily see how it works with DDR3 modules at frequencies up to 2133 MHz and even more. However, this will most likely have to purchase a motherboard with an appropriate set of system logic that allows you to perform such operations. So when building a system, you can proceed from your "finance".
Despite the stated frequency of 3.1 GHz, in the event of a system load with a solution to a rather serious task, the CPUs of the Intel Core i5 / i7 families support Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, which allows you to automatically temporarily increase the clock frequency (within the allowed CPU temperature). You can see that when 4 cores are loaded, the clock frequency rises to 3.5 GHz.
Comparing i3450 with other processors in different applications
The test results we can see the differences in the level of productivity of the representatives architecture Ivy Bridge is about 3-5%, which is primarily due to the difference in clock frequency of 200 MHz. So the choice of a particular embodiment of the CPU is largely dependent on the tasks to be solved. Additional impact could have a pricing policy, which at the moment is difficult to say anything because the wholesale price of the manufacturer (or rather the difference in cost) is not always reflected in retail prices. If we analyze the price of the manufacturer, then the $ 20 difference in price (which amounts to 10%), the difference in performance of the order of 5% seems unconvincing. Thus, CPU Intel Core i5-3450 looks more attractive.
If we compare with the novelty of the closest representative of the second generation, the Intel Core i5-2400 processor, then, as in the case of the Intel Core i5-3550, there is no reason for an immediate replacement. Processors have an approximately equal level of performance, and as for the differences, they do not exceed the threshold of 6-8%.
The most interesting picture is obtained when analyzing the performance of AMD Phenom II x6 1100T, which still pleases with a higher level of performance in mathematical calculations. So in some cases, you can consider this processor as a competitor in terms of computing power.
Performance evaluation of the integrated graphics core Intel HD Graphics 2500
According to the results of tests it is clear that fundamental changes in the performance there, which is not surprising. CORE i5-3550 Intel and Intel processors CORE i5-3450 as close in characteristics, and a slight drop "Power" graphic Intel HD Graphics 2500 core for the test is explained CPU at 200MHz clocked processor cores. The rest of the conclusions remain the same. Despite the fact that we tested Intel's processors can not boast performance iGPU, with the decision of typical office / server tasks it can handle without problems. As for the more serious (game) problems, demanding, without installing a powerful graphics card would be difficult to manage. In case if you collect the budgetary system, and you want to "on board" was a good graphics core, it is necessary to pay attention to the range of AMD APU.
Due to the fact that, in our model is available with locked multiplier, the only way is recessed CPU acceleration setting mode Turbo Boost 2.0, with several possible and improve productivity by increasing the frequency of the system bus from 100 MHz to 105 MHz. Actually, this approach is no different from the acceleration familiar Intel Core i5 series CPU, based on the Sandy Bridge architecture. Thus, we were able to increase the frequency of the Intel CORE i5-3450 CPU to the level of 3885 MHz, thus to ensure the stability of the power system had to slightly increase to 1,248 V.
Thus, by increasing the clock frequency by 25%, an average performance increase of only 7%, which is not the best indicator. Therefore, we come to a completely logical conclusion that this solution is not the best suited for overclocking, as clock speed increase commensurate with productivity gains. However, it is worth remembering that any acceleration of this kind of lottery in which to predict the end result is quite difficult. So it is quite possible that using a different sample of the acceleration may give some other capacity increase, although it is unlikely that the difference will be significant.
Energy efficiency analysis
Well, the results of measurements of power consumption Intel CORE i5-3450 processor, we see that for the neighboring models is almost the same, and the differences are easily explained by the difference in the minimum clock frequency. Test CPU, both in general and Intel CORE i5-3550, perfect for workstations, run all day problem solving, such as support for the work of a small network or the distribution of banal "torrents". Due to the fact that the differences in the level of energy consumption between the second and third generations within the same family, are minimal, it is advisable to replace the relatively "old" Sandy Bridge is not seen. If this option is quite critical, you should pay attention to the data processor families that have the symbol "T" or "S" in the name, indicating that reduced power consumption.
Findings: According to the results acquaintance with Intel CORE i5-3450 processor, we can say that it is sufficient CPU performance, which is suitable for gaming and workstations, which faces quite demanding tasks. Of course, for a gaming PC, you need the installation of a powerful discrete graphics card, but with ordinary, so-called office tasks, integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 core will cope fine. To draw an analogy between this model and the Intel CORE i5-2400, the novelty will provide the owner of a few great performance, even for her, and would have to pay a little more. In terms of price / performance ratio, the decision looks more attractive than Intel CORE i5-3550, because when the difference in the value of the order of 10% of the difference in speed is 3-5%. In the experience of the study near the older model can confidently say that for a more complete disclosure of the CPU capacity, it is desirable to equip the system at least DDR3-1600. CPU overclocking potential is low, so the best seen him use it at nominal parameters. From the standpoint of energy efficiency, this model is perfect for systems operating 24/7 or close to it, and considering productivity, it is well suited as a CPU entry-level server.
Post has been editedGloomy - 23.11.12, 13:57