Intel Pentium G3450
Intel Pentium G3450: Comprehensive Review of the Budget Processor in 2025
Introduction
The Intel Pentium G3450 processor, released in 2014, still holds relevance in the budget PC niche even a decade later. Despite its outdated architecture, it continues to be used in office systems, media centers, and basic home builds. In this article, we will examine its features, compatibility, strengths and weaknesses, as well as practical aspects of building systems based on it.
1. Key Characteristics: Haswell Architecture and Its Legacy
Architecture and Process Technology
The Pentium G3450 is built on the Haswell microarchitecture (4th generation Intel Core) with a 22 nm process technology. This was a step forward from Ivy Bridge (22 nm) due to improved energy efficiency and enhanced integrated graphics. However, in 2025, 22 nm seems archaic compared to modern 7 nm (AMD Ryzen 7000) and Intel 4 (7 nm) processors.
Key Parameters:
- Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz (without Turbo Boost).
- Cores/Threads: 2/2 — minimal configuration for Windows 11 (2+ cores required).
- Cache: 3 MB L3 — modest size for multi-threaded tasks.
- TDP: 54 W — low power consumption.
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Haswell) with a base frequency of 350 MHz.
Performance
Based on Geekbench 6 tests (2025):
- Single-core Score: 591 — comparable to Intel Celeron G5920 (2020).
- Multi-core Score: 1000 — weaker than even budget AMD Athlon 3000G (4 threads, 1500+ points).
Real-World Scenarios:
- Office Applications (Word, Excel): Works without lag.
- Web Surfing: Supports 10+ tabs in Chrome, but slows down with 4K streaming.
- Light Gaming: Minecraft (60 FPS on low settings), CS:GO (30-40 FPS at 720p).
2. Compatible Motherboards: LGA 1150 Socket and Chipsets
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA 1150 socket, which limits the choice of motherboards to older models:
- Chipsets: H81, B85, H87, H97, Z87, Z97.
- Recommended Boards in 2025:
- ASRock H81M-HDS (price: $35–$50 on the secondary market) — basic model with HDMI.
- Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H ($50–$70) — 4 DDR3 slots, supports SATA 6 Gbps.
Selection Features:
- VRM Power: Even basic boards handle 54 W TDP well.
- Ports: Check for required ports (HDMI, USB 3.0).
- BIOS: Update the firmware for compatibility with Windows 11 (TPM 2.0 modules are required, which some boards emulate through workarounds).
3. Supported Memory: DDR3 and Its Limitations
The Pentium G3450 works only with DDR3 (1333/1600 MHz). In 2025, this is a significant drawback:
- Capacity: 8 GB — the minimum for Windows 11; 16 GB — a comfortable level.
- Dual-channel Mode: Essential for unlocking the potential of integrated graphics (for example, 2×4 GB).
- Prices: New DDR3 modules are almost no longer produced. The cost of 8 GB DDR3-1600 is $25–$35.
Important: DDR4 and DDR5 are not supported — this is the main limitation for upgrades.
4. Power Supply: Minimum Cost
Considering the 54 W TDP and the lack of a discrete graphics card, a budget PSU of 300–400 W is sufficient:
- Recommended Models:
- Corsair CV450 ($45) — 80 Plus Bronze certified.
- be quiet! System Power 10 350W ($40) — low noise level.
Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the PSU to allow for future upgrades (such as adding a graphics card).
- For systems with HDD + SSD, 300 W is adequate.
5. Pros and Cons of Pentium G3450 in 2025
Pros:
- Price: New processors on the secondary market — $20–$30.
- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for a PC running 24/7 (for example, a home server).
- Graphics: Intel HD supports 4K decoding (via HDMI 1.4).
Cons:
- 2 cores/2 threads: Multitasking is limited (for example, lag when running Zoom and a browser simultaneously).
- Outdated Platform: No support for NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak Graphics: Cannot handle modern games even at 720p.
6. Usage Scenarios
Gaming
- What Works: Older titles (Half-Life 2, Skyrim on low settings), emulators up to PS2.
- Advice: Add a GTX 1050 Ti level graphics card (but the processor will become a bottleneck).
Work Tasks
- Office: Microsoft Office, email, PDF.
- Programming: Light IDEs (VS Code, PyCharm) without heavy compilations.
Multimedia
- Video Playback: 4K H.264, but not H.265 (hardware decoding required, which is absent).
- Streaming: Only viewing; broadcasting at 1080p is impossible.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon 3000G (price: $60–$80)
- Pros: 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 graphics, supports DDR4.
- Cons: Higher price, requires newer motherboards (AM4).
Intel Celeron G5905 (price: $50)
- Pros: 2 cores/2 threads, but Comet Lake architecture (2020), supports DDR4.
- Cons: No performance advantages.
Conclusion: The Pentium G3450 only wins in price but loses in upgrade prospects.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
1. SSD is Essential: Install at least a 240 GB SATA SSD (e.g., Kingston A400, $25) — this will eliminate system "lag."
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (e.g., Arctic MX-4).
3. Drivers: Download the latest versions for Intel HD Graphics from Intel’s website (support ended in 2023, but 2022 drivers work reliably).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Pentium G3450 Suitable For?
This processor should be considered only in three cases:
1. Building an ultra-budget PC: For basic tasks (office, YouTube, document printing).
2. Upgrading an old computer: Replacing weaker Pentium/Celeron CPUs on LGA 1150.
3. Home Server/NAS: Low power consumption and sufficient performance for file sharing.
Alternative: If the budget allows $100–$150, consider pairing the AMD Athlon 3000G with an A320 motherboard and DDR4 — this will provide future-proofing.
Conclusion
The Pentium G3450 in 2025 is an example of the "durability" of outdated technologies. It suits those in need of a computer "here and now" for minimal money. However, keep in mind that such a system lacks upgrade prospects and, in the long term, falls behind even budget modern solutions.