Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i5-3470

The Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i5-3470 are based on the Ivy Bridge S architecture and are manufactured using the 22-nanometer process.

The Intel Core i3-3220 is designed for the entry-level market and offers two cores with four threads. Technical comparisons show solid single-core performance, while multi-core performance remains limited by design. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 is suitable for simple image output.

With a memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s and PCIe 2.0, the features are practical for office applications. In games, the processor quickly reaches its limits due to the low number of cores. The thermal design power is low, which enables quiet operation. The price-performance ratio is good for simple computers, as the acquisition costs are low.

The Intel Core i5-3470 targets the mid-range and has four physical cores. Due to the architecture, it offers much higher multi-core performance than the Intel Core i3-3220. It is also significantly ahead in single-core scenarios. For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3470 is the better choice as it benefits from four cores and the faster PCIe 3.0 interface.

The Level 3 cache is twice as large at 6 MB, which increases efficiency in complex calculations. Power consumption is higher than that of the smaller model, but remains within the range for standard cooling solutions. Users who do more than just word processing will find a stable package here. The Intel Core i5-3470 is therefore recommended for more versatile areas of application.