Core i7-860 vs Core i5-3470T
Core i7-860
Core i5-3470T
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 i7-860 is positioned at rank 986 and the Core i5-3470T is on rank 879, so the Core i5-3470T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-860
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-860 | Core i5-3470T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-860 | Core i5-3470T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+17%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
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 i7-860 and Core i5-3470T
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-860 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-3470T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-860 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470T — a 4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470T (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-860 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3470T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860 scores 3,011 against the Core i5-3470T's 2,999 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-860. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470T.
| Feature | Core i7-860 | Core i5-3470T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz | 3.6 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 2.9 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,011 | 2,999 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-860 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3470T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-860 | Core i5-3470T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-860 launched at $284 MSRP, while the Core i5-3470T debuted at $184. At current prices ($30 vs $35), the Core i7-860 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-860 delivers 100.4 pts/$ vs 85.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-3470T — making the Core i7-860 the 15.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-860 | Core i5-3470T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $284 | $184-35% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-14% | $35 |
| Performance per Dollar | 100.4+17% | 85.7 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2012 |
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