Core i5-3470S vs Ryzen 5 5600X

CPU

GPU

Core i5-3470S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Ryzen family

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Core i5-3470S vs Ryzen 5 5600X Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3470S

4 / 4

4,374

0.0%

21,845

+399.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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.

Core i5-3470S vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 i5-3470S vs Ryzen 5 5600X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-3470S

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $115 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Ryzen 5 5600X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,374 vs 21,845).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +149.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 207.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
62.5% HIGHER MSRP
$299 MSRPvs$184 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3470S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600X better than Core i5-3470S?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 149.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 399.4% 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, Ryzen 5 5600X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 149.6% 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, Ryzen 5 5600X is the stronger fit. You are getting 399.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Ryzen 5 5600X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600X comes in 62.5% more expensive on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 149.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 207.3% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 23.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 5 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012), 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3470S vs Ryzen 5 5600X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3470S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 24.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-3470S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470S scores 4,374 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 133.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-3470S	Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.6 GHz+28%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.7 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	32 MB+433%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-68%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	4,374	21,845+399%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3470S versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3470S) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-3470S	Ryzen 5 5600X
Socket	LGA1155	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Core i5-3470S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-3470S	Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470S was priced at $184, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($184 vs $299), Core i5-3470S was $115 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470S delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 101.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470S	Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP	$184-38%	$299
Performance per Dollar	23.8	73.1+207%
Release Date	2012	2020

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