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.

Celeron G470 vs Core i3-3217U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Celeron G470 vs Core i3-3217U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron G470

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,225 vs 1,226).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $35 MSRP, while Core i3-3217U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-3217U

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1.5 MB).

Trade-offs

❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3217U better than Celeron G470?

Yes. Core i3-3217U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3217U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1.5 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3217U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3217U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $35 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G470 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (35.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron G470 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G470 vs Core i3-3217U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Celeron G470

The Celeron G470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,225 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-3217U

The Core i3-3217U 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G470 packs 1 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i3-3217U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-3217U has 1 more core. The Core i3-3217U is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G470 scores 1,225 against the Core i3-3217U's 1,226 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3217U. L3 cache: 1.5 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G470 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3217U.

Feature	Celeron G470	Core i3-3217U
Cores / Threads	1 / 2	2 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	—	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+11%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	1.5 MB Intel® Smart Cache	3 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	—	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,225	1,226
Geekbench 6 Single	300	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G470 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3217U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G470 versus 1600 on the Core i3-3217U — the Core i3-3217U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G470) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3217U).

Feature	Celeron G470	Core i3-3217U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G470) vs true (Core i3-3217U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G470) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3217U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G470 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G470 rivals Pentium G630; Core i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M.