Intel Core i5-2320 vs Intel Core i5-3475S Comparison

# Intel Core i5-3475S vs Intel Core i5-2320: Benchmark Analysis

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a consistent and significant advantage for the Intel Core i5-3475S across every recorded workload. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-3475S scores 371 against 317 for the i5-2320, a 17% lead. The single-core R15 result tells the same story: 52 versus 44, again a 17% advantage. Moving to Cinebench R20, the gap remains stable: 1547 versus 1321 in multi-core (17.1% ahead) and 218 versus 186 in single-core (17.2% ahead). The newer Cinebench R23 workload confirms the pattern, with the i5-3475S posting 3685 versus 3146 in multi-core (17.1% higher) and 520 versus 444 in single-core (17.1% higher). The Geekbench results align with this trend, showing a 1731 to 607 split, though the delta is smaller at roughly 0%. The data indicates the i5-3475S wins all five recorded head-to-head comparisons, with the i5-2320 trailing by a consistent 17% across Cinebench tests.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different Intel generations. The Core i5-3475S is built on the Ivy Bridge architecture (22 nm process node) with the Ivy Bridge codename, while the Core i5-2320 uses the older Sandy Bridge architecture (32 nm process node) and carries the Sandy Bridge codename. Both are quad-core, quad-thread desktop parts, but the newer Ivy Bridge design brings a higher base clock: 2.90 GHz against 3.00 GHz for the i5-2320. The boost clock also favors the i5-3475S, reaching 3.60 GHz versus 3.30 GHz. Cache layouts are identical in structure: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3.

The integrated graphics differ: the i5-3475S includes Intel HD 4000, while the i5-2320 relies on Intel HD 2000. Both support DDR3 memory via dual-channel interfaces. The i5-3475S is built for the LGA1155 socket, same as the i5-2320 (also LGA1155). The newer part adds PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, versus Gen 3 with 16 lanes on the i5-2320. The i5-3475S was released later (May 2012 versus September 2011) and is marked end-of-life in the database; both are desktop-class parts.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: Based on recorded Cinebench data, the Core i5-3475S wins every multi-core test. It leads by 17% in R15 multi-core (371 versus 317), by 17.1% in R20 multi-core (1547 versus 1321), and by 17.1% in R23 multi-core (3685 versus 3146).

Q: Does the Core i5-3475S have a single-core advantage?

A: Yes, the same margin appears in single-core results: 17.2% in R20 (218 vs 186) and 17.1% in R23 (520 versus 444). The 17% improvement is consistent across all Cinebench versions.

Q: Are the cache sizes the same?

A: Yes. Both chips have 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. The difference is not in the cache hierarchy but in the newer Ivy Bridge process node and higher clocks.

Q: Which part supports DDR3 and dual-channel memory?

A: Both support DDR3 and dual-channel memory. The memory controller is not different, the i5-3475S and i5-2320 are both rated for DDR3 dual-channel operation.

Q: Where does the integrated GPU differ?

A: The Core i5-3475S uses Intel HD 4000 graphics, and the i5-2320 uses Intel HD 2000. That is a generational upgrade of the integrated graphics block, though neither is designed for serious frame rates.

The Verdict

From the recorded data alone, the Intel Core i5-3475S is the stronger of the two desktop processors. It wins every CPU benchmark in the database, with a consistent lead of about 17% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 in both multi-core and single-core modes. The architectural update from Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge, plus higher base and boost clocks, explains the margin: 3.30 GHz boost versus 3.00 GHz base, on a 22 nm process.

The i5-2320 has the same core/thread count and cache layout, but at lower clocks and on an older process. The data is not close: the i5-3475S leads by a solid 17% in every rendering workload. If the workload is the deciding factor, the i5-3475S is the pick. The i5-2320 only makes sense if the platform (LGA1155) and the older integrated graphics are the main constraints, since both chips share the same socket and memory support.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i5-3475S | Intel Core i5-2320 |

|---|---|---|

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Sandy Bridge |

| Process node | 22 nm | 32 nm |

| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |

| Base clock | 2.90 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| Boost clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| L3 cache | 6 MB shared | 6 MB shared |

| Integrated graphics | Intel HD 4000 | Intel HD 2000 |

| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |

| Memory support | DDR3 | DDR3 |

| Memory bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Release date | 2012-05-31 | 2011-09-03 |

| Production status | End-of-life | End-of-life |

Where Each One Wins

Choose the Intel Core i5-3475S if: the priority is raw multi-core throughput. It wins every multi-core benchmark in the database (Cinebench R15, R20, R23) by roughly 17%, and the same margin applies in single-core tests. The newer 22 nm Ivy Bridge design and higher boost clock make it the faster chip in all measured applications.

Choose the Intel Core i5-2320 if: the platform matters more than the score. It fits the same LGA1155 socket, the same DDR3 dual-channel memory support, and the same 16-lane Gen3 PCIe link. If the system is already built around Sandy Bridge or the integrated HD 2000 graphics is sufficient, the i5-2320 offers a nearly identical feature set at lower clocks and older manufacturing process.

The data does not list any workload where the i5-2320 comes out ahead. For every recorded test, the i5-3475S is faster. The choice is simply whether the newer architecture's consistent 17% performance advantage is worth a motherboard change, or whether staying within the existing Sandy Bridge platform with the i5-2320 is the better fit.