OVERALL

ALTERNATIVES

SPECS

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REVIEWS

Intel Core i5-3470 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£20PassMark multi-core score:4662N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:3.6 GHzCPU socket:LGA1155TDP (Thermal design power):77 W

Intel Core i5-3470 Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 16 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-3470

5.8/10

▼Worse than 85% of processors

7.0

▼Worse than 71%

3.8

▼Worse than 90%

8.0

▲Better than 72%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

2.5
Gaming
Gaming
2.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
3.0
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
1.6
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
3.6
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.6
L3 cache
8.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
2.0
Video editing
Video editing
2.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
2.0
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.1
CPU threads
15.0%
1.6
L3 cache

Where to buy

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Best rankings

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-3470

Based on 8 · 8

Efficient, affordable and good enough for gaming, but weak integrated graphics and multitasking draw the most complaints.

Praised

Mixed views

Criticised

Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-3470

Based on 197 owners sharing their experience in online comments

44%positive28%mixed28%negative

Owners like its affordable, still-capable gaming, though demanding games often expose bottlenecks, low frame rates, and stuttering.

What owners like

Owners report running games like PUBG, GTA V, God of War and Minecraft smoothly, usually with a mid-range graphics card.63
Owners say it is cheap to buy used and pairs well with budget graphics cards for casual gaming.12
Owners report using it for seven to eleven years without failure, and some say it still works in a retired PC.11
Owners overclock it from 3.2 GHz to around 3.8 to 4.5 GHz on Z77 boards, with a clear gain in per-core speed.6
Owners play light titles like Minecraft and GTA V on the built-in graphics, with some reporting around 50 to 60 fps.5
Owners moving up from older i3, Core 2 or AMD chips say the jump in games and everyday speed is very noticeable.4

What owners dislike

Owners report frame rates dropping to around 20 to 30 in demanding games like Fortnite, CS:GO and PUBG, especially without a dedicated graphics card; lowering settings helps.31
Owners see stutters and lag spikes in busy moments like Dota 2 teamfights; some blame the stock cooler and say replacing it helped.20
Owners pairing it with GTX 1060 or newer cards say the CPU maxes out at 90 to 100% in demanding games like Battlefield 1 and Mordhau.16
Owners say the built-in Intel HD graphics are too weak for most games, with some titles only reaching low frame rates without a graphics card.7
Owners report crashes or poor performance in Genshin Impact, Free Fire and Roblox, and emulators like BlueStacks run slowly without a graphics card.7
Owners say it is getting old and plan to upgrade, with some pointing to the i7-3770 or newer CPUs as the next step.6
Owners report 65 to 87°C in games with the stock cooler; a better cooler or fresh thermal paste helped some.6
Owners find it slow at heavy work like x264 video encoding, and Photoshop or Krita sometimes lag.5
Owners with only 4 GB of RAM report big frame drops in Battlefield 4; many say 8 GB or more is recommended.5
Owners say finding replacement Z77 boards is hard, and some boards cap RAM at 8 GB, limiting upgrades.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-3470

5.8

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Platform

7.2

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Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

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CPU architecture

Instruction sets

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Performance

3.1

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

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What reviewers say

Architecture

4.0

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

4.4

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

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Integrated graphics

6.3

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

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What reviewers say

Power & Thermal

6.5

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

?

Tau (power duration limit)

Configurable TDP

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What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-3470 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5-3470 better than the average processor?

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Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
19.4% higher review score
Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 72% of models
80%
7.8
Average grade
20%
9.0
Popularity
Grades by review (16)
8 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.0 vs 6.7
5 °C higher temperature limit
This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
105 °C vs 100 °C
12.5x cheaper
Intel Core i5-3470 is cheaper than the average processor (£20 vs £250).
£20 vs £250
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
This processor has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
650 MHz vs 350 MHz

19.4% higher review score
Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 72% of models
80%
7.8
Average grade
20%
9.0
Popularity
Grades by review (16)
8 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.0 vs 6.7
12.5x cheaper
Intel Core i5-3470 is cheaper than the average processor (£20 vs £250).
£20 vs £250

85.7% higher GPU clock speed
This processor has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
650 MHz vs 350 MHz

Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
5 °C higher temperature limit
This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
105 °C vs 100 °C

Why is Intel Core i5-3470 worse than the average processor?

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59.5% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (621 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
621 vs 1,535
59.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,662 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
4,662 vs 11,469
63.4% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1907 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
1,907 vs 5,209
18.2% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
64% weaker multi-core performance
This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,010 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
1,010 vs 2,804.5
24.5% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1932 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
1,932 vs 2,558
83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6

47.2% lower sentiment score
3.8 vs 7.2
3.4% worse value for money
Intel Core i5-3470 has worse value for money than the average processor (7.05 vs 7.3).
7.05 vs 7.29

Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
Narrower instruction support
This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
8 years older release date
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
June 2012
2012 vs 2020
More limited crypto acceleration
This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
AES vs AES, SHA

59.5% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (621 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
621 vs 1,535
59.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,662 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
4,662 vs 11,469
63.4% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1907 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
1,907 vs 5,209
18.2% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
64% weaker multi-core performance
This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,010 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
1,010 vs 2,804.5
24.5% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1932 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
1,932 vs 2,558
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
4 fewer CPU threads
This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4 vs 8
No simultaneous multithreading
This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s

83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
Less advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake
66.7% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
1 MB vs 3 MB
50% less L2 per core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
18.9% less L3 per core
This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
33.3% smaller L1 cache
This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
256 KB vs 384 KB
71.7% fewer transistors
This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion
33.3% smaller L3 cache
This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
6 MB vs 9 MB
Less advanced foundry
This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm

50% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
45.4% lower memory bandwidth
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Older DDR support
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
DDR3 vs DDR4
Lower JEDEC memory speed
This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR3-1,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
Limited PCIe bifurcation
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
50% less memory capacity
This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
32 GB vs 64 GB

Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
75% fewer GPU execution units
This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (6 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
6 vs 24
Inferior integrated GPU
This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 2500 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
Intel HD Graphics 2,500 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630

No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
71.1% higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
77 W vs 45 W
71.1% higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
77 W vs 45 W
5 °C higher CPU temperature
This processor has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
105 °C vs 100 °C
27 seconds shorter turbo duration
This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (1 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
1 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0

Older Tech Today

≈ estimated

29/08/2025

Hands-on gaming and rendering tests · 2025 performance check

Verdict

Intel Core i5-3470 is surprisingly capable for everyday computing and occasional gaming, but motherboard choice and heat are real drawbacks.

8.0

SIGMA ESPORTS

≈ estimated

10/01/2025

Gaming benchmark · 11 games at 1080p with RX 470

Verdict

Intel Core i5-3470 is still playable at 1080p in most modern games, especially for gamers on a tight budget.

7.0

RA Tech

≈ estimated

26/09/2020

Hands-on gaming tests · 8 games and multitasking

Verdict

Intel Core i5-3470 is a dated quad-core that still games acceptably, but it maxes out with no headroom for background tasks.

7.0

Hoosier Hardware

≈ estimated

15/08/2019

Hands-on gaming test · performance in modern titles

Verdict

Intel Core i5-3470 is still fine for gaming alone, but it is a dead platform best suited to very tight budgets.

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Overview video

Not graded

Hands-on video, no verdict

Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0

hothardware.com

✓ explicit

31/05/2012

Intel Core i5-3470 Ivy Bridge Quad-Core CPU Review | HotHardware

Benchmark review · Mainstream quad-core

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a mainstream quad-core that shares the i7-3770K's core design but drops Hyper-Threading and has weaker graphics.

6.0

cnet.com

≈ estimated

25/06/2012

Intel Core i5 3470 review - CNET

Benchmark review · Mainstream quad-core CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 handles mainstream work well enough, but weak graphics and no Hyper-Threading make the i5-3570K the better buy for most people.

6.0

techradar.com

✓ explicit

22/07/2012

Intel Core i5 3470 review - TechRadar

Benchmark test · Ivy Bridge quad-core

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a solid quad-core for non-gamers, though its locked multiplier and weak HD 2500 graphics mean the 3570K is the better pick.

9.0

phoronix.com

≈ estimated

07/09/2012

Intel Core i5 3470 Review - Phoronix

Linux review · Ivy Bridge quad-core

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 runs smoothly on modern Linux distributions out of the box, and newer kernels and drivers give the best results.

9.0

servethehome.com

≈ estimated

15/10/2012

Intel Core i5-3470 77w Quad Core CPU Benchmarks and Review Would you like to see gaming benchmarks for this processor in modern titles or comparisons...

Workstation benchmark · Quad-core test

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a solid workstation chip whose HD 2500 graphics suit basic display work, though it lacks ECC memory support.

8.0

hardwarezone.com.sg

≈ estimated

31/05/2012

Intel Core i5-3470 Performance Analysis - HardwareZone

Performance analysis · Overclocking test

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a decent quad-core with very low power draw, but gains over Core i5-2400 and i5-2500 are too small to justify an upgrade.

7.0

dailypcreviews.com

✓ explicit

14/09/2012

Intel Core i5 3470 Quad Core CPU Review

Feature overview · Overclocking test

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a solid quad-core that beats the Core i5-2500K while drawing less power, but its locked multiplier limits overclocking to 4.2 GHz.

8.0

formobiles.info

≈ estimated

30/08/2012

Intel i5-3470 Full Review

Video summary · Daily use test

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a solid mid-range chip for office work and media, keeping temperatures modest but needing a separate graphics card for gaming.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-3470

Strong value for money, especially in the used market for basic office or budget builds
Solid quad-core performance for general productivity, web browsing, and 4K video playback
Capable of handling many e-sports titles (e.g., Roblox, Rocket League) at 60+ FPS when paired with a dedicated GPU
Improved energy efficiency (77W TDP) compared to previous Sandy Bridge generations
Backward compatibility with older Sandy Bridge (LGA 1155) motherboards
Excellent 'out of the box' support and smooth performance for modern Linux distributions

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-3470

No Hyper-Threading support, which limits performance in modern multi-threaded applications and heavy multitasking
Integrated HD 2500 graphics are weak and unsuitable for any serious gaming without a discrete card
Not officially supported by Windows 11, limiting its long-term viability as Windows 10 approaches end-of-life
Multiplier is not fully unlocked, significantly limiting overclocking potential compared to 'K' series models
Frequently acts as a bottleneck for modern mid-range graphics cards (e.g., GTX 1060 and above)
Higher operating temperatures compared to older generations due to the use of thermal paste under the heat spreader instead of solder

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a 3rd generation quad-core desktop processor built on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring a 3.2 GHz base clock and a max turbo frequency of 3.6 GHz. It is equipped with 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 77W TDP, and supports DDR3-1333/1600 memory via the LGA 1155 socket. Main pros include its solid quad-core performance for mainstream productivity and its power-efficient 22nm design which maintains stable temperatures. However, its main cons are the lack of Hyper-Threading (4 cores/4 threads only), the relatively weak integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500, and its status as an aging, discontinued platform with limited modern security features.

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Compare Intel Core i5-3470 with other processors

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