CPU
GPU
Core i7-3612QM
Core i5-3470
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 i7-3612QM is positioned at rank 1030 and the Core i5-3470 is on rank 684, so the Core i5-3470 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3612QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3612QM | Core i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3612QM | Core i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+588%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($55) |
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 i7-3612QM and Core i5-3470
Core i7-3612QM
The Core i7-3612QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,661 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i5-3470
The Core i5-3470 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,663 points. Launch price was $184.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3612QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-3470's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QM scores 4,661 against the Core i5-3470's 4,663 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-3470. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+52% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,661 | 4,663 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3612QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3470 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1224 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3612QM) / not specified (Core i5-3470). The Core i7-3612QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-3470 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3612QM launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i5-3470 debuted at $184.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $184-51% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $55 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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