Core i5-3470 vs Core i5-3570S

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 i5-3470 vs Core i5-3570S 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 i5-3470 vs Core i5-3570S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3470

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $29 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.3 vs 22.0 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,663 vs 4,686).
❌18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3570S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570S.

Core i5-3570S

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Core i5-3470 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3470.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.0 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570S better than Core i5-3470?

Yes. Core i5-3570S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% 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 i5-3570S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 i5-3570S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3570S is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3570S comes in 15.8% more expensive on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3470 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 15.2% better value on paper (25.3 vs 22.0 PassMark/$), 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?

Core i5-3570S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i5-3470 vs Core i5-3570S Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3470

The Core i5-3470 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,663 points. Launch price was $184.

Core i5-3570S

The Core i5-3570S 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 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: 4,686 points. Launch price was $285.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3470 and Core i5-3570S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570S — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3470 scores 4,663 against the Core i5-3570S's 4,686 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3570S. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-3570S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.8 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,663	4,686
Geekbench 6 Single	—	663

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-3570S
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3470) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3570S). The Core i5-3570S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-3470 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570S rivals A10-5800K.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-3570S
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470 was priced at $184, while the Core i5-3570S came in at $213. On launch pricing ($184 vs $213), Core i5-3470 was $29 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470 delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 22.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-3570S — making the Core i5-3470 the 14.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-3570S
MSRP	$184-14%	$213
Performance per Dollar	25.3+15%	22.0
Release Date	2012	2012

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