Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-3475S

The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3475S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3475S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3475S — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3475S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i5-3475S's 4,315 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3475S. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3475S.

The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3475S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3475S — the Core i3-7100 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100 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.

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3475S). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3475S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop, Core i5-3475S targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-3475S rivals FX-6300.

The Core i3-7100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core i5-3475S debuted at $249. At current prices ($40 vs $42), the Core i3-7100 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 102.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-3475S — making the Core i3-7100 the 4.7% better value option.