Core i5-3470S vs Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i5-3470S
Ryzen 9 5900X
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. The Core i5-3470S is positioned at rank #711 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470S
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3470S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($37) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3470S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($37) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 Ryzen 9 5900X
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 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3470S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen 9 5900X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470S versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-3470S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470S scores 4,374 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 159.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470S vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 24+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.8 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 64 MB+967% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-68% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 4,374 | 38,955+791% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3470S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X 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 9 5900X — the Ryzen 9 5900X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3470S) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X 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 9 5900X). The Core i5-3470S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop, Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3470S launched at $184 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($37 vs $350), the Core i5-3470S is $313 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470S delivers 118.2 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Core i5-3470S the 6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3470S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-66% | $549 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $37-89% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.2+6% | 111.3 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2020 |
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