Core i3-5015U vs Core i5-470UM

Intel

Core i3-5015U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-470UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.86 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i3-5015U vs Core i5-470UM Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-5015U vs Core i5-470UM 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.

Core i3-5015U vs Core i5-470UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5015U

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 5500, while Core i5-470UM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.

Core i5-470UM

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-5015U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,973 vs 1,990).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5015U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5015U better than Core i5-470UM?
Yes. Core i3-5015U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-5015U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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 i3-5015U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-5015U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-5015U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-5015U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-5015U vs Core i5-470UM Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-5015U

The Core i3-5015U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,990 points. Launch price was $275.

Intel

Core i5-470UM

The Core i5-470UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,973 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5015U and Core i5-470UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5015U versus 1.86 GHz on the Core i5-470UM — a 12.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-5015U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.33 GHz). The Core i3-5015U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-470UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5015U scores 1,990 against the Core i5-470UM's 1,973 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-5015U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5015U vs 3 MB on the Core i5-470UM.

FeatureCore i3-5015UCore i5-470UM
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.1 GHz+13%
1.86 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz+58%
1.33 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
3 MB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Broadwell-U (2015)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,990
1,973
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5015U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-470UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-5015UCore i5-470UM
Socket
FCBGA1168
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
12
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5015U) / not specified (Core i5-470UM). The Core i3-5015U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 5500), while the Core i5-470UM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5015U targets Mobile.

FeatureCore i3-5015UCore i5-470UM
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 5500
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Mobile