Core i5-3470S vs FX-6330
Core i5-3470S
FX-6330
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 FX-6330 is on rank 494, so the FX-6330 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 FX-6330
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3470S | FX-6330 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3470S | FX-6330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
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 FX-6330
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.
FX-6330
The FX-6330 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,433 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3470S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6330 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6330 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6330 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the FX-6330 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-3470S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6330 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470S scores 4,374 against the FX-6330's 4,433 — a 1.3% lead for the FX-6330. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6330.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | FX-6330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 4,374 | 4,433+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3470S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6330 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | FX-6330 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S) / not specified (FX-6330). The Core i5-3470S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the FX-6330 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | FX-6330 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3470S launched at $184 MSRP, while the FX-6330 debuted at $109. At current prices ($37 vs $25), the FX-6330 is $12 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470S delivers 118.2 pts/$ vs 177.3 pts/$ for the FX-6330 — making the FX-6330 the 40% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | FX-6330 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184 | $109-41% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $37 | $25-32% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.2 | 177.3+50% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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