Core i3-6320 vs Core i5-3470S

The Core i3-6320 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-6320 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i3-6320 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-6320 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3470S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6320 scores 4,421 against the Core i5-3470S's 4,374 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-6320. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-6320 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S.

The Core i3-6320 uses the LGA1151 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 DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6320 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3470S — the Core i3-6320 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6320 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-6320) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6320) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3470S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop.

The Core i3-6320 launched at $160 MSRP, while the Core i5-3470S debuted at $184. At current prices ($35 vs $37), the Core i3-6320 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6320 delivers 126.3 pts/$ vs 118.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-3470S — making the Core i3-6320 the 6.6% better value option.