Intel Core i5-3470 vs Intel Core i5-7400 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is decisively lopsided in favor of the Intel Core i5-7400. Out of 19 recorded tests, the i5-7400 takes 17 wins, while the i5-3470 manages only 2. This is not a close contest by any measure, and the margins in many tests are substantial.

The largest advantage for the i5-7400 appears in PassMark's extended instructions test, where it scores 6452 against the i5-3470's 3548, a massive 81.8% lead. This indicates a significant uplift in SIMD and specialized instruction throughput, likely reflecting the newer architecture's improved execution units. Geekbench single-core also shows a huge gap: the i5-7400 scores 1043 versus 715, a 45.9% difference. That is a generational leap in per-thread performance, not just a minor clock-speed bump.

Geekbench multi-core follows the same trend, with the i5-7400 at 2740 versus 2015, a 36% advantage. PassMark data encryption also favors the i5-7400 heavily, scoring 1611 against 1189, a 35.5% improvement. These three workloads (single-thread, multi-thread aggregate, and encryption) paint a clear picture of a processor that is broadly faster across different types of code.

The Cinebench suite shows consistent, if smaller, margins. Across R15, R20, and R23, both multi-core and single-core results are remarkably uniform: the i5-7400 leads by between 17.5% and 17.9% in every one of these six tests. For example, Cinebench R23 multi-core has the i5-7400 at 4658 versus 3957, while the single-core test shows 657 versus 558. The consistency of these deltas suggests the advantage is architectural and clock-related, not workload-specific.

PassMark multi-thread and physics tests also go to the i5-7400, with scores of 5475 versus 4669 (17.3%) and 438 versus 378 (15.9%), respectively. Floating-point math favors the newer chip by 10.8% (12042 versus 10871). Single-threaded PassMark results are closer, with the i5-7400 at 2074 versus 1935, a 7.2% edge. Data compression and random string sorting are narrow wins for the i5-7400, at 4.2% and 3.3% respectively.

The i5-3470's two victories are worth noting, as they show it is not entirely obsolete. In PassMark integer math, the i5-3470 scores 14840 versus 14293, a 3.7% lead. In find prime numbers, it scores 28 versus 27, a 3.6% edge. These are narrow wins in specific integer-heavy workloads, but they do not offset the overall picture. The i5-7400 is faster in nearly every other scenario, often by double-digit percentages.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different generations of Intel's desktop lineup, and the architectural gap is substantial. The i5-7400 is built on Kaby Lake, using a 14 nm process node, while the i5-3470 uses Ivy Bridge on a 22 nm node. This process shrink is a key factor in the i5-7400's efficiency and performance per clock.

Both chips have 4 cores and 4 threads, so the core count is identical. The i5-3470 actually has a higher base clock at 3.20 GHz versus 3.00 GHz, and a higher boost clock at 3.60 GHz versus 3.50 GHz. Despite the clock deficit, the i5-7400 wins most benchmarks, which confirms that the newer Kaby Lake core is significantly more efficient in instructions per clock (IPC). The i5-7400 compensates for its lower clocks with superior execution.

Cache configurations are the same at first glance: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. However, the i5-3470's transistor count is listed at 1,400 million on a 160 mm² die, while the i5-7400 does not have those figures recorded. The 14 nm process allows for denser, more efficient transistors, which is reflected in the performance gains.

Memory support is a major differentiator. The i5-7400 uses DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-3470 uses DDR3, also dual-channel, but with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. That is a 12.8 GB/s difference in theoretical memory throughput, which can impact memory-sensitive workloads, though the benchmark data does not isolate memory performance specifically.

Integrated graphics also differ: the i5-7400 has HD 630, while the i5-3470 has Intel HD 2500. The newer GPU is more capable, though neither is designed for serious gaming. Socket compatibility is another divider: the i5-7400 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-3470 uses Intel Socket 1155. These are not interchangeable, meaning a platform upgrade is required to move from one to the other.

Power draw is lower on the newer chip, with the i5-7400 rated at 65 W TDP versus 77 W for the i5-3470. The production status also differs: the i5-7400 is listed as Active, while the i5-3470 is End-of-life. The i5-3470's release date is 2012-05-31, while the i5-7400 launched on 2017-01-02.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-7400 wins every single-core test in the database. Geekbench single-core shows a 45.9% lead (1043 versus 715), Cinebench R23 single-core shows a 17.7% lead (657 versus 558), and PassMark single-thread shows a 7.2% lead (2074 versus 1935).

Q: Does the i5-3470 have any advantages at all?

A: Yes, in two specific PassMark tests. It wins integer math with a 3.7% margin (14840 versus 14293) and find prime numbers with a 3.6% margin (28 versus 27). These are narrow wins in integer-heavy tasks, but they are the only tests where it comes out ahead.

Q: How much does the memory bandwidth difference matter?

A: The i5-7400 supports DDR4 with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the i5-3470 supports DDR3 with 25.6 GB/s. That is a 50% theoretical advantage for the i5-7400. The benchmark data does not isolate memory performance, but the overall multi-core and single-core gains suggest the platform uplift contributes to the results.

Q: Are these processors compatible with the same motherboards?

A: No. The i5-7400 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-3470 uses Intel Socket 1155. They require different motherboards, so upgrading from the i5-3470 to the i5-7400 would also require a new board and likely new DDR4 memory.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The i5-7400 has HD 630, while the i5-3470 has Intel HD 2500. The newer HD 630 is more capable for basic display output and light media tasks, but neither is suited for demanding gaming.

Q: What is the typical overall performance ranking of each chip?

A: Both processors sit at the 63rd percentile among all CPUs in the database. However, the i5-7400 has an average benchmark score of 7469, while the i5-3470 averages 6906. The i5-7400's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-4570 (0.6% slower) and Intel Core i9-9990XE (0.7% slower), while the i5-3470 sits near the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (0.4% faster) and Intel Xeon W-2195 (0.2% slower).

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-7400 | Intel Core i5-3470 |

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

| Base Clock | 3.00 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 77 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel Socket 1155 |

| Architecture | Kaby Lake | Ivy Bridge |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 22 nm |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 1,400 million |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 160 mm² |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | HD 630 | Intel HD 2500 |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2017-01-02 | 2012-05-31 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $184 |

| Part Number | SR32W | SR0T8 |

Note that cores, threads, L1/L2/L3 cache sizes, memory bus width, ECC support, PCIe configuration, and unlocked multiplier status are identical between the two, so they are omitted from this table.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-7400 is the clear winner in almost every measurable category. Its biggest advantages are in extended instructions (81.8% lead), Geekbench single-core (45.9% lead), and Geekbench multi-core (36% lead). It also dominates the Cinebench suite with consistent 17.5% to 17.9% margins, and leads in data encryption by 35.5%. For general productivity, multi-threaded rendering, and single-thread responsiveness, the i5-7400 is the superior choice. Its lower TDP (65 W versus 77 W) also makes it more power-efficient, and its active production status means it is still a current part.

The Intel Core i5-3470 has a very narrow niche. It wins in PassMark integer math (14840 versus 14293) and find prime numbers (28 versus 27). These are specific integer-heavy workloads, and the margins are small. For a user running legacy software that is particularly sensitive to integer operations, the i5-3470 might edge out the newer chip, but those scenarios are rare. The i5-3470 also has a slightly higher base clock (3.20 GHz versus 3.00 GHz) and boost clock (3.60 GHz versus 3.50 GHz), but this does not translate into overall wins. Its DDR3 memory support could be an advantage for someone reusing existing DDR3 modules, but the platform is end-of-life.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-7400 is the better processor for virtually all workloads. It wins 17 of 19 benchmark comparisons, often by significant margins. The 14 nm Kaby Lake architecture, DDR4 memory support, and higher integrated graphics tier (HD 630) make it a more modern and capable part. Its lower TDP adds to its appeal for system builders concerned about heat and power draw.

The i5-3470 is not without merit. It holds its own in two integer tests and has higher clock speeds on paper, but the architectural deficit is too large to overcome. For anyone building a new system or upgrading from a Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge platform, the i5-7400 is the sensible pick. For those already on an LGA1155 board with DDR3 memory, the i5-3470 remains a functional option for basic tasks, but it is outclassed in nearly every benchmark category. The i5-7400's active production status and superior benchmark results make it the recommended choice.