CPU
GPU
Core i5-3470
Core i7-2600S
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3470 is positioned at rank 684 and the Core i7-2600S is on rank 889, so the Core i5-3470 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3470 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($55) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3470 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+81%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($55) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3470 and Core i7-2600S
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 i7-2600S
The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3470 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3470 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470 scores 4,663 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-3470. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+14% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8192 kB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,663 | 4,637 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 630 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3470) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i5-3470 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3470 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600S debuted at $297. At current prices ($55 vs $99), the Core i5-3470 is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470 delivers 84.8 pts/$ vs 46.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i5-3470 the 57.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-38% | $297 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $55-44% | $99 |
| Performance per Dollar | 84.8+81% | 46.8 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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