CPU
GPU
Athlon PRO 300GE
Core i5-3470S
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon PRO 300GE
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon PRO 300GE | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($37) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon PRO 300GE | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($37) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon PRO 300GE and Core i5-3470S
Athlon PRO 300GE
The Athlon PRO 300GE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 4,342 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-3470S
The Core i5-3470S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,374 points. Launch price was $200.
Processing Power
The Athlon PRO 300GE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3470S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3470S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Athlon PRO 300GE versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470S. The Athlon PRO 300GE uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i5-3470S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon PRO 300GE scores 4,342 against the Core i5-3470S's 4,374 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-3470S. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Athlon PRO 300GE vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S.
| Feature | Athlon PRO 300GE | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 6 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 12 nm-45% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,342 | 4,374 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon PRO 300GE uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3470S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Athlon PRO 300GE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3470S — the Athlon PRO 300GE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon PRO 300GE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Athlon PRO 300GE) vs 16 (Core i5-3470S) — the Core i5-3470S offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Athlon PRO 300GE | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 16+100% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon PRO 300GE) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon Vega 3 (Athlon PRO 300GE) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3470S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon PRO 300GE targets Desktop, Core i5-3470S targets Desktop.
| Feature | Athlon PRO 300GE | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Vega 3 | HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Athlon PRO 300GE launched at $50 MSRP, while the Core i5-3470S debuted at $184. At current prices ($50 vs $37), the Core i5-3470S is $13 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon PRO 300GE delivers 86.8 pts/$ vs 118.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-3470S — making the Core i5-3470S the 30.6% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon PRO 300GE | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $50-73% | $184 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $37-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.8 | 118.2+36% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2012 |
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