Core i5-3470S vs Core i3-7101E

The Core i5-3470S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7101E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3470S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-3470S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-7101E uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470S scores 4,374 against the Core i3-7101E's 4,430 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-7101E. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E.

The Core i5-3470S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7101E uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3470S versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101E — the Core i3-7101E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7101E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3470S) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop, Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000.

The Core i5-3470S launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i3-7101E debuted at $117. At current prices ($37 vs $50), the Core i5-3470S is $13 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470S delivers 118.2 pts/$ vs 88.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-7101E — making the Core i5-3470S the 28.6% better value option.