CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-1603 v4
Core i5-3470S
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 Xeon E5-1603 v4 is positioned at rank 599 and the Core i5-3470S is on rank 711, so the Xeon E5-1603 v4 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1603 v4
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3470S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-1603 v4 | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / Standard Node) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-1603 v4 | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) |
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 Xeon E5-1603 v4 and Core i5-3470S
Xeon E5-1603 v4
The Xeon E5-1603 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 4,355 points. Launch price was $800.
Core i5-3470S
The Core i5-3470S 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: 4,374 points. Launch price was $200.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3470S is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1603 v4 scores 4,355 against the Core i5-3470S's 4,374 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-3470S.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1603 v4 | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | — | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | — | 22 nm |
| Architecture | — | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,355 | 4,374 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-1603 v4) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3470S). The Core i5-3470S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Xeon E5-1603 v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3470S targets Desktop.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1603 v4 | Core i5-3470S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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