CPU
GPU
Core i5-3470
FX-6350
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 FX-6350 is on rank 541, so the FX-6350 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 FX-6350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3470 | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3470 | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+0%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 FX-6350
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.
FX-6350
The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3470 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-3470 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470 scores 4,663 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3470.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.9 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6144 kB+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 4,663 | 4,640 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3470 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3470 launched at $184 MSRP, while the FX-6350 debuted at $132. At current prices ($55 vs $55), the FX-6350 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470 delivers 84.8 pts/$ vs 84.4 pts/$ for the FX-6350 — making the Core i5-3470 the 0.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3470 | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184 | $132-28% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $55 | $55 |
| Performance per Dollar | 84.8 | 84.4 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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