Core i5-3470 vs Core i7-3635QM

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 i7-3635QM 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 i7-3635QM: 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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3635QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,663 vs 4,728).
❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Core i7-3635QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌71.1% higher power demand at 77W vs 45W.

Core i7-3635QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 77W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3635QM better than Core i5-3470?

Yes. Core i7-3635QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% 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 i7-3635QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.5% 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 i7-3635QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3635QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3635QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3470 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3635QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 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 i7-3635QM 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 i7-3635QM

The Core i7-3635QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,728 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3470 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3635QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3635QM — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 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 i7-3635QM's 4,728 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-3635QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Core i7-3635QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+6%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+33%	2.4 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)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,663	4,728+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3635QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.