Core i5-3470 vs Core i5-4690T

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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T: 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 $8 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌71.1% higher power demand at 77W vs 45W.

Core i5-4690T

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 77W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,620 vs 4,663).
❌
4.3% HIGHER MSRP
$192 MSRPvs$184 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3470 better than Core i5-4690T?

Yes. Core i5-3470 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3470 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 i5-3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3470 is the better buy right now. Core i5-3470 comes in $8 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 5.3% better value on MSRP (25.3 vs 24.1 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4690T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3470 vs Core i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T

The Core i5-4690T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,620 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3470 and Core i5-4690T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-4690T — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-3470 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4690T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470 scores 4,663 against the Core i5-4690T's 4,620 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-3470. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4690T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+28%	2.5 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)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,663	4,620

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4690T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4690T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470 was priced at $184, while the Core i5-4690T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($184 vs $192), Core i5-3470 was $8 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470 delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 24.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-4690T — making the Core i5-3470 the 5.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i5-4690T
MSRP	$184-4%	$192
Performance per Dollar	25.3+5%	24.1
Release Date	2012	2014

Search Core i5-3470 on Amazon

Search Core i5-4690T on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.