Core i5-3470T vs Core i7-3540M
Core i5-3470T
Core i7-3540M
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 i5-3470T is positioned at rank 879 and the Core i7-3540M is on rank 81, so the Core i7-3540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470T
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3540M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3470T | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3470T | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-3470T and Core i7-3540M
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.
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 |
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 | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
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.
| Feature | Core i5-3470T | Core i7-3540M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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