Core i5-3470T vs FX-4300

Core i5-3470T vs FX-4300 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3470T

2 / 4

2,999

+0.1%

2,995

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i5-3470T vs FX-4300 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 FX-4300: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-4300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.3 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).

FX-4300

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $62 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,995 vs 2,999).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3470T better than FX-4300?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-4300 is ahead with a 7.0% 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 0.1% better PassMark.

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 0.1% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3470T comes in 50.8% more expensive on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. FX-4300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 50.6% better value on paper (24.5 vs 16.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.

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

FX-4300 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-3470T vs FX-4300 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.

FX-4300

The FX-4300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,995 points. Launch price was $122.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3470T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4300 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470T versus 4 GHz on the FX-4300 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the FX-4300 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i5-3470T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-4300 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3470T scores 2,999 against the FX-4300's 2,995 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3470T.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	FX-4300
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.8 GHz+31%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	4096 kB+1500%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	2,999	2,995

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3470T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4300 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	FX-4300
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3470T was priced at $184, while the FX-4300 came in at $122. On launch pricing ($184 vs $122), FX-4300 was $62 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3470T delivers 16.3 pts/$ vs 24.5 pts/$ for the FX-4300 — making the FX-4300 the 40.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3470T	FX-4300
MSRP	$184	$122-34%
Performance per Dollar	16.3	24.5+50%
Release Date	2012	2012

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