Core i5-3470T vs Core i7-860

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 i7-860 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 i7-860: 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

✅Costs $100 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 53.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.3 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-860 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,999 vs 3,011).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-860

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860 better than Core i5-3470T?

Yes. Core i7-860 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-860 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.5% 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, Core i7-860 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-860 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-860 comes in 54.3% more expensive on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3470T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 53.7% better value on paper (16.3 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-3470T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3470T vs Core i7-860 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 i7-860

The Core i7-860 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,011 points. Launch price was $229.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3470T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-860 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470T versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 — a 4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470T (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3470T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-860 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470T scores 2,999 against the Core i7-860's 3,011 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-860. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	Core i7-860
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+4%	3.46 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+4%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,999	3,011

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-860 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	Core i7-860
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470T was priced at $184, while the Core i7-860 came in at $284. On launch pricing ($184 vs $284), Core i5-3470T was $100 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470T delivers 16.3 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-860 — making the Core i5-3470T the 42.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	Core i7-860
MSRP	$184-35%	$284
Performance per Dollar	16.3+54%	10.6
Release Date	2012	2009

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