Core i5-3470T vs Core i7-3540M

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 i5-3470T vs Core i7-3540M 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 i5-3470T vs Core i7-3540M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3470T

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Core i7-3540M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3540M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3540M

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-3470T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,984 vs 2,999).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3470T better than Core i7-3540M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3540M is ahead with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3470T pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i7-3540M also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3470T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3470T is the better buy right now. Core i5-3470T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $184 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3540M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3540M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3470T vs Core i7-3540M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3470T

The Core i5-3470T 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,999 points. Launch price was $210.

Core i7-3540M

The Core i7-3540M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,984 points. Launch price was $349.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3470T and Core i7-3540M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470T versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3540M — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3540M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3470T scores 2,999 against the Core i7-3540M's 2,984 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3470T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470T vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3540M.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	Core i7-3540M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,999	2,984

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3540M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	Core i7-3540M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3470T) / true (Core i7-3540M). The Core i7-3540M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-3470T requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3540M rivals AMD A10-5750M.