Core i5-3470 vs Core i7-2600S

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 i7-2600S 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 i7-2600S: 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

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $113 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
✅Delivers 62.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.3 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2600S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600S.

Core i7-2600S

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅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 2000, while Core i5-3470 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,637 vs 4,663).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.6 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3470 better than Core i7-2600S?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2600S is ahead with a 8.5% 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 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-2600S also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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 0.6% 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 $113 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $297 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2600S is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 62.3% better value on MSRP (25.3 vs 15.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3470 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3470 vs Core i7-2600S 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 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.

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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

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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	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470 was priced at $184, while the Core i7-2600S came in at $297. On launch pricing ($184 vs $297), Core i5-3470 was $113 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470 delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i5-3470 the 47.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i7-2600S
MSRP	$184-38%	$297
Performance per Dollar	25.3+62%	15.6
Release Date	2012	2011

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