Quick Verdict
The i5-3470 was a reliable mainstream quad-core in 2012, but its lack of Hyper-Threading, outdated platform, and DDR3 memory make it obsolete for modern builds.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Gen (Ivy Bridge)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-3470 is a quad-core desktop processor from the Ivy Bridge family, offering solid mainstream performance with a 3.2 GHz base clock, 3.6 GHz turbo, and 77W TDP for budget-conscious builders.
The Intel Core i5-3470 features 4 cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 3.2 GHz and turbo boost up to 3.6 GHz.
With a 77W TDP, 6MB of shared L3 cache, and dual-channel DDR3-1600 support, it was one of the most popular mainstream desktop processors of 2012. The integrated Intel HD 2500 graphics handle basic display tasks, though most users paired it with a discrete GPU for gaming. The LGA 1155 socket and PCIe 3.
0 support provided a solid foundation for budget builds. While it lacks Hyper-Threading and has an unlocked multiplier, it offered excellent value for users who didn't need Core i7-level performance.
Specifications
Performance
Quad-core performance handles basic office tasks but struggles with modern multitasking and heavy productivity workloads.
Four cores without Hyper-Threading provide basic virtualization capability but are limited by today's standards.
When paired with a modern GPU, the i5-3470 can handle very light or older games, but the lack of threads creates significant bottlenecks in modern titles.
The 77W TDP was reasonable for 2012 but is inefficient compared to modern quad-core processors that consume half the power.
- •Four cores without Hyper-Threading limit frame rates in modern games
- •PCIe 3.0 x16 provides adequate GPU bandwidth
- •HD 2500 integrated graphics are insufficient for gaming
- •CPU bottleneck in modern AAA titles even with mid-range GPUs
- •No AI acceleration hardware
- •Quad-core design insufficient for modern AI workloads
- •Not applicable for this processor generation
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
77 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i5-3470 uses the full quad-core Ivy Bridge die manufactured on Intel's 22nm FinFET process. As a mainstream desktop Core i5, it features 4 physical cores without Hyper-Threading, a hallmark of the desktop i5 lineup that persisted for many generations. The 6MB shared L3 Smart Cache provides a significant buffer for multi-threaded workloads compared to the 3MB found in dual-core variants. The processor integrates Intel HD 2500 graphics with 6 Execution Units, the baseline IGP configuration for most Ivy Bridge desktop i5 models. The 77W TDP represents the standard thermal envelope for non-power-optimized Ivy Bridge desktop processors, and the locked multiplier restricts overclocking to BCLK adjustments only. The dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory controller and 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes round out a balanced mainstream desktop design.
CPU Design
Four Ivy Bridge CPU cores without Hyper-Threading, each with 64KB L1 and 256KB L2 private cache, sharing a 6MB L3 Smart Cache, operating at 3.2 GHz base and 3.6 GHz turbo.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory controller delivering 25.6 GB/s peak bandwidth, supporting up to 32GB across two DIMM slots.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, providing full x16 bandwidth for a single GPU or x8/x8 for dual GPU configurations.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier limits tuning to base clock (BCLK) adjustments only, with limited headroom due to integrated clock generator dependencies.
- 22nm process shrink from 32nm
- PCIe 3.0 support over PCIe 2.0
- Improved integrated graphics from HD 2000 to HD 2500
- Higher turbo boost frequencies
Key Highlights
- Four physical cores for mainstream multi-threaded workloads
- 6MB shared L3 cache improves performance over dual-core models
- PCIe 3.0 support for full-bandwidth GPU connectivity
- vPro support for enterprise management
- Affordable on the used market for legacy builds
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded performance
- 77W TDP is inefficient by modern standards
- HD 2500 integrated graphics are very weak
- LGA 1155 platform is end-of-life with no upgrade path
- No Windows 11 support
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
History
The Core i5-3470 launched in June 2012 as the mainstream workhorse of Intel's Ivy Bridge desktop lineup. Positioned between the budget i3 and the enthusiast i5-3570K, it offered the quad-core performance most users needed at a price that made sense for both system builders and OEMs.</br></br>The processor arrived during a period of Intel dominance in the desktop CPU market.
AMD's Bulldozer architecture had failed to compete effectively, leaving Intel with little pressure to push performance boundaries. The i5-3470's improvements over Sandy Bridge were modest — mainly the 22nm process shrink, PCIe 3.0 support, and slightly better integrated graphics.
For many users, the generational leap from Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge felt incremental rather than revolutionary.</br></br>The i5-3470 became ubiquitous in office and home PCs worldwide. Dell, HP, and Lenovo shipped millions of systems with this processor, and it remained a staple of pre-built configurations for years.
The processor also gained attention for thermal issues related to Intel's use of thermal paste instead of solder under the integrated heat spreader, leading enthusiasts to 'delid' their processors for better cooling. Despite this controversy, the i5-3470 proved reliable and capable throughout its long service life in both consumer and enterprise environments.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process shrink from 32nm
- PCIe 3.0 support over PCIe 2.0
- Improved integrated graphics from HD 2000 to HD 2500
- Higher turbo boost frequencies
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Maintaining an existing legacy system for basic office or web tasks
Avoid if…
- Building any new system in 2026
- Modern gaming of any kind
- Content creation or video editing
- Running Windows 11
- Needing modern security features
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-3470 was one of the best-selling desktop processors of 2012, widely used in pre-built systems from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Its lack of Hyper-Threading was a deliberate Intel segmentation strategy to differentiate desktop i5 from i7 models.
The 77W TDP was actually higher than Intel originally planned, as early Ivy Bridge chips ran hotter than expected due to the new 22nm process and thermal interface material.
This processor uses a 160mm² die with 1.4 billion transistors, significantly larger than dual-core Ivy Bridge variants.
The i5-3470 was the last mainstream i5 to use the 77W TDP rating before Intel shifted to 84W with Haswell.
Many users discovered that delidding the i5-3470's integrated heat spreader and replacing the stock thermal paste could reduce temperatures by 10-20°C.
The part number SR0T8 identifies this specific SKU in Intel's product database.
Despite being a 2012 processor, many i5-3470 systems remained in active office use well into the 2020s.
The i5-3470 was frequently paired with the NVIDIA GTX 660 or GTX 760 for mid-range gaming builds of its era.
At $184 launch price, it offered excellent value compared to the Core i7-3770 which cost $120 more for Hyper-Threading and slightly higher clocks.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-3470 still good for gaming?
No, the i5-3470's four threads and low IPC by modern standards create significant bottlenecks in modern games. Even paired with a mid-range GPU, expect stuttering and low frame rates in newer titles.
Can the i5-3470 run Windows 11?
No, the i5-3470 is not on Microsoft's supported CPU list and does not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11.
What is the difference between i5-3470 and i5-3470S?
The i5-3470 has a 77W TDP with a 3.2 GHz base clock, while the i5-3470S has a 65W TDP with a 2.9 GHz base clock. Both share the same 3.6 GHz turbo boost and quad-core design.
Does the i5-3470 have Hyper-Threading?
No, the desktop Core i5-3470 does not support Hyper-Threading. It has 4 cores and 4 threads.
What socket does the i5-3470 use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1155 socket.
Can I overclock the i5-3470?
No, the i5-3470 has a locked multiplier. Only limited base clock (BCLK) adjustment is possible on Z-series motherboards.
What is the best GPU for i5-3470?
For legacy builds, a GTX 1650 or RX 6400 represents the maximum practical GPU before CPU bottlenecking becomes severe. Any stronger GPU will be wasted on this platform.
What RAM does the i5-3470 support?
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to DDR3-1600 speeds with a maximum capacity of 32GB.
Is the i5-3470 better than i7-2600?
The i7-2600 has Hyper-Threading (8 threads vs 4) and slightly higher clocks but uses the older Sandy Bridge architecture. In multi-threaded workloads, the i7-2600 wins. In single-threaded tasks, they are very close.
Is the i5-3470 still usable in 2026?
Only for basic web browsing and document editing. Modern applications and multitasking will reveal its age quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the turbo boost speed of the i5-3470?
The maximum Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 frequency is 3.6 GHz.
Does the i5-3470 support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes directly from the CPU.
What graphics does the i5-3470 have?
It features Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics with 6 Execution Units at 650-1100 MHz.
Does the i5-3470 support virtualization?
Yes, it supports Intel VT-x and VT-d virtualization technologies.
What is the TDP of the i5-3470?
The TDP is 77W.
What is the launch price of the i5-3470?
The recommended customer price at launch was $184.
What part number is the i5-3470?
The standard part number is SR0T8.
What is the die size of the i5-3470?
It uses a 160mm² die with 1.4 billion transistors.
Does the i5-3470 support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro technology for enterprise remote management.
What was the i5-3470 release date?
The i5-3470 was released on June 1st, 2012.