Core i5-3470 vs Core i5-4430

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 i5-4430 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 i5-4430: 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

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 77W instead of 84W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4430 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌
1.1% HIGHER MSRP
$184 MSRPvs$182 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4430 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4430.

Core i5-4430

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i5-3470 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3470.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,653 vs 4,663).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4430 better than Core i5-3470?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4430 is ahead with a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3470 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4430 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4430 comes in $2 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3470 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 0.9% better value on MSRP (25.6 vs 25.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4430 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3470 vs Core i5-4430 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 i5-4430

The Core i5-4430 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,653 points. Launch price was $182.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3470 and Core i5-4430 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-3470 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4430 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470 scores 4,663 against the Core i5-4430's 4,653 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3470. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4430
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,663	4,653
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,015

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4430 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4430
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
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 i5-4430). The Core i5-4430 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-3470 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4430 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430 rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4430
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470 was priced at $184, while the Core i5-4430 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($184 vs $182), Core i5-4430 was $2 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470 delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-4430 — making the Core i5-4430 the 0.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4430
MSRP	$184	$182-1%
Performance per Dollar	25.3	25.6+1%
Release Date	2012	2013

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