Core i5-3470S vs Core i7-2820QM
Core i5-3470S
Core i7-2820QM
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 i5-3470S is positioned at rank 711 and the Core i7-2820QM is on rank 1138, so the Core i5-3470S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470S
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2820QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3470S | Core i7-2820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($37) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($568) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3470S | Core i7-2820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1433%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($37) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($568) |
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 i5-3470S and Core i7-2820QM
Core i5-3470S
The Core i5-3470S 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,374 points. Launch price was $200.
Core i7-2820QM
The Core i7-2820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,379 points. Launch price was $568.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3470S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470S (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-3470S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2820QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470S scores 4,374 against the Core i7-2820QM's 4,379 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2820QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Core i7-2820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+6% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+26% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,374 | 4,379 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 554 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,763 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3470S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3470S versus 1600 on the Core i7-2820QM — the Core i7-2820QM supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Core i7-2820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S) vs true (Core i7-2820QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3470S) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2820QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Core i7-2820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3470S launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i7-2820QM debuted at $568.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Core i7-2820QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-68% | $568 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $37 | — |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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