Intel Core i5-3335S vs Intel Core i5-3475S Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster overall in the recorded benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i5-3475S wins all 7 head-to-head benchmark comparisons. Its average benchmark score is 1091, while the Intel Core i5-3335S averages 1083.

Q: How large is the performance gap in multi-core workloads?

A: The i5-3475S leads by 18.1% in Cinebench R20 multi-core (1547 vs 1310), 18.1% in Cinebench R23 multi-core (3685 vs 3121), and 18.2% in Cinebench R15 multi-core (371 vs 314). The smallest multi-core margin is in Geekbench multi-core, where it leads by 5.1% (1731 vs 1647).

Q: What about single-core performance?

A: The i5-3475S also dominates single-core tests. It scores 218 vs 184 in Cinebench R20 single-core (18.5% ahead), 520 vs 440 in Cinebench R23 single-core (18.2% ahead), and 607 vs 562 in Geekbench single-core (8% ahead).

Q: Do both processors share the same core and thread configuration?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 4 threads. They also share the same 65W TDP, Intel Socket 1155, Ivy Bridge architecture, 22nm process node, and 6 MB shared L3 cache.

Q: What are the clock speed differences?

A: The i5-3475S has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. The i5-3335S has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. The i5-3475S is faster in both metrics.

Q: How do these CPUs compare to their nearest rivals in the database?

A: The i5-3475S sits at the 30th percentile of all CPUs, matching the Intel Pentium Gold G5400 (0% delta) and trailing the Intel Core i7-10510Y by 0.1%. The i5-3335S also sits at the 30th percentile, matching the Intel Core i5-2320 (0% delta) and trailing the Intel Core i3-6320 by 0.2%.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the Intel Core i5-3475S. It wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, with no recorded wins for the i5-3335S. The margin is substantial in most tests, ranging from 5.1% to 18.5%. Anyone choosing between these two should select the i5-3475S if benchmark performance is the primary criterion.

The i5-3335S is not without merit, but its advantages are not performance-related. Both processors share the same architecture, socket, TDP, process node, and cache structure. The i5-3335S has a slightly higher transistor count (1,480 million vs 1,400 million), but this does not translate into any benchmark advantage. The i5-3335S was released later (October 2012 vs May 2012), but the database shows no performance benefit from the later release date.

For users with an existing Intel Socket 1155 platform, the i5-3475S is the stronger upgrade choice. Its 18% plus margins in Cinebench tests make it a meaningful step up. The i5-3335S would only make sense if the i5-3475S were unavailable, as the recorded data shows no scenario where the i5-3335S comes out ahead.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-3475S dominates the head-to-head comparison with 7 wins and 0 losses. The largest margins appear in Cinebench tests, where the i5-3475S consistently leads by roughly 18%.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-3475S scores 371 against 314 for the i5-3335S, a delta of 18.2%. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows a similar story: 1547 vs 1310, an 18.1% advantage. Cinebench R23 multi-core follows the same pattern with 3685 vs 3121, again 18.1% ahead.

Single-core Cinebench results are even more lopsided. The i5-3475S leads by 18.5% in Cinebench R20 single-core (218 vs 184) and by 18.2% in Cinebench R23 single-core (520 vs 440). Cinebench R15 single-core was not recorded for the i5-3335S, but the other tests show a consistent pattern.

Geekbench results narrow the gap but still favor the i5-3475S. In Geekbench multi-core, the i5-3475S scores 1731 vs 1647, a 5.1% lead. Geekbench single-core shows 607 vs 562, an 8% advantage. These smaller deltas suggest the two CPUs are closer in general-purpose workloads, but the i5-3475S still holds a decisive edge.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this picture: 1091 for the i5-3475S and 1083 for the i5-3335S. Both processors sit at the 30th percentile of all CPUs, indicating they occupy a similar performance tier overall, but within that tier the i5-3475S is consistently faster.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The base clock is 2.90 GHz on the i5-3475S versus 2.70 GHz on the i5-3335S. The boost clock is 3.60 GHz on the i5-3475S versus 3.20 GHz on the i5-3335S. These clock differences directly explain the benchmark gaps.

Transistor count also differs: the i5-3475S has 1,400 million transistors, while the i5-3335S has 1,480 million. Despite having more transistors, the i5-3335S performs worse, indicating the extra transistors do not translate into higher performance in the recorded tests.

The release dates differ as well. The i5-3475S launched on May 31, 2012, while the i5-3335S launched on October 31, 2012. The later release did not bring any performance benefit.

The part number is recorded for the i5-3475S as SR0PP, while the i5-3335S has no recorded part number in the database.

All other specifications are identical: 4 cores, 4 threads, 65W TDP, Intel Socket 1155, Ivy Bridge architecture, 22nm process node, 160 mm² die size, 64 KB L1 cache per core, 256 KB L2 cache per core, 6 MB shared L3 cache, DDR3 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, no ECC support, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, desktop market segment, and locked multiplier.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same Ivy Bridge architecture and codename. They are built on Intel's 22 nm process node and manufactured by Intel. The die size is identical at 160 mm².

The cache hierarchy is the same on both: 64 KB L1 cache per core, 256 KB L2 cache per core, and 6 MB shared L3 cache. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and both use DDR3 with a dual-channel memory bus.

Integrated graphics are identical as well, with both featuring Intel HD 4000. The PCIe implementation is the same: Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The only architectural differences are the transistor count and the clock speeds. The i5-3335S has 1,480 million transistors versus 1,400 million on the i5-3475S, a difference of 80 million. Despite this, the i5-3475S achieves higher performance due to its higher clock speeds.

Both belong to the same generation, listed as "Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)" in the database. Neither has a multiplier unlocked, and both target the desktop market segment. The socket is Intel Socket 1155 for both, meaning they are interchangeable in compatible motherboards.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-3475S wins in every benchmark category recorded. It is the clear choice for multi-threaded workloads, leading by 18.1% to 18.2% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. This makes it the better option for rendering, video encoding, and other tasks that scale across all 4 cores.

The i5-3475S also wins in single-threaded performance, with margins of 8% in Geekbench single-core and 18.2% to 18.5% in Cinebench single-core tests. This gives it an advantage in applications that rely on one or two threads, such as older games or lightly threaded productivity software.

The i5-3335S has no recorded benchmark wins. Its only distinguishing features are the higher transistor count and the later release date, neither of which produces a performance benefit in the database. For users who already own an i5-3335S, the data shows no workload where it outperforms the i5-3475S.

In practical terms, the i5-3475S is the better processor for any use case that benefits from CPU performance. The i5-3335S remains a functional quad-core desktop processor, and its 30th percentile standing means it performs similarly to CPUs like the Intel Core i5-2320. But when compared directly, the i5-3475S is faster in every measured test.

The narrowest margin, 5.1% in Geekbench multi-core, still represents a clear win for the i5-3475S. Even in workloads where the two are closest, the i5-3335S cannot close the gap. The verdict from the recorded data is unambiguous: choose the i5-3475S unless availability or platform constraints force the i5-3335S into consideration.