Core i5-3475S vs Core i3-7100

The Core i5-3475S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7100 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3475S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3475S versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-3475S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-7100 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3475S scores 4,315 against the Core i3-7100's 4,306 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3475S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3475S vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100.

The Core i5-3475S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7100 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3475S versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 — the Core i3-7100 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3475S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3475S) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3475S targets Budget, Core i3-7100 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3475S rivals FX-6300.

The Core i5-3475S launched at $249 MSRP, while the Core i3-7100 debuted at $117. At current prices ($42 vs $40), the Core i3-7100 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3475S delivers 102.7 pts/$ vs 107.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-7100 — making the Core i3-7100 the 4.7% better value option.