Core i5-3475S
Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i5-3475S vs Ryzen 9 5900X Performance Spectrum
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 i5-3475S vs Ryzen 9 5900X 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i5-3475S vs Ryzen 9 5900X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core i5-3475S
2012Why buy it
- ✅Costs $300 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 65W instead of 105W, a 40W reduction.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Ryzen 9 5900X needs a discrete GPU.
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 9 5900X.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 41 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,544 vs 11,888).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 64 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
Ryzen 9 5900X
2020Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +236.4% higher average FPS across 41 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+966.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 6 MB).
- ✅Delivers 309.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
- ✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌120.5% HIGHER MSRP$549 MSRPvs$249 MSRP
- ❌61.5% higher power demand at 105W vs 65W.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3475S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3475S.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than Core i5-3475S?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-3475S vs Ryzen 9 5900X Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Core i5-3475S
The Core i5-3475S 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,315 points. Launch price was $219.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3475S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen 9 5900X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3475S versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-3475S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3475S scores 4,315 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 160.1% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 705 vs 2,174, a 102% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,544 vs 11,888 (154% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3475S vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Core i5-3475S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 24+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.8 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 64 MB+967% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-68% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 4,315 | 38,955+803% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 705 | 2,174+208% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,544 | 11,888+670% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3475S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3475S versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the Ryzen 9 5900X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3475S) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3475S) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | Core i5-3475S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-3200+100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3475S) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i5-3475S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3475S targets Budget, Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-3475S rivals FX-6300; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i5-3475S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Budget | Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i5-3475S was priced at $249, while the Ryzen 9 5900X came in at $549. On launch pricing ($249 vs $549), Core i5-3475S was $300 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3475S delivers 17.3 pts/$ vs 71.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 121.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3475S | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-55% | $549 |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.3 | 71.0+310% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2020 |
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