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 i3-6320 vs Core i5-3470S 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 i3-6320 vs Core i5-3470S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6320

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $24 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅Delivers 16.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.6 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 65W, a 14W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3470S.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-3470S

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-6320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,374 vs 4,421).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 27.6 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌27.5% higher power demand at 65W vs 51W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-6320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6320 better than Core i5-3470S?

Yes. Core i3-6320 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 i3-6320 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.1% 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 i3-6320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-6320 is the better buy right now. Core i3-6320 comes in $24 cheaper on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 16.2% better value on MSRP (27.6 vs 23.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-6320 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6320 vs Core i5-3470S Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6320

The Core i3-6320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,421 points. Launch price was $157.

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.

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Processing Power

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.

Feature	Core i3-6320	Core i5-3470S
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+8%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+34%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,421+1%	4,374
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,853	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,311	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,730	—

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Memory & Platform

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 33.3% 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 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-6320	Core i5-3470S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

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.

Feature	Core i3-6320	Core i5-3470S
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 530	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6320 was priced at $160, while the Core i5-3470S came in at $184. On launch pricing ($160 vs $184), Core i3-6320 was $24 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6320 delivers 27.6 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-3470S — making the Core i3-6320 the 15% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6320	Core i5-3470S
MSRP	$160-13%	$184
Performance per Dollar	27.6+16%	23.8
Release Date	2015	2012

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