Intel Core i5-3475S vs Intel Core i7-2710QE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear and consistent picture: the Intel Core i5-3475S wins every single head-to-head comparison against the Intel Core i7-2710QE. Out of five recorded Cinebench tests, the i5-3475S takes all five, yielding a 5–0 sweep. There is no test in the dataset where the i7-2710QE comes out ahead.

The multicore results show a tightly clustered pattern of deficits for the mobile i7. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-2710QE scores 321 against the i5-3475S's 371, a 13.5% gap. The same 13.5% delta appears in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the i7 manages 1338 points versus 1547 for the i5. Moving to Cinebench R23 multicore, the i7 scores 3186, while the i5 reaches 3685 — again a 13.5% difference. This consistency across three generations of the Cinebench suite suggests the performance gap is structural rather than workload-specific.

Single-core results tell a similar story, though with slightly larger margins. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i7-2710QE scores 188, while the i5-3475S posts 218, a delta of 13.8%. Cinebench R23 single-core shows the i7 at 449 and the i5 at 520, a 13.7% gap. These numbers indicate that the i5's advantage is not merely a matter of additional threads — it also wins decisively in lightly threaded workloads.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this hierarchy. The i7-2710QE carries an average benchmark score of 1096, while the i5-3475S sits at 1091. This near-parity in the aggregate metric is notable because it contrasts sharply with the consistent head-to-head losses. The explanation lies in the differing benchmark suites: the i5's average is pulled down by Geekbench scores (1731 multicore, 607 single-core) that do not appear in the i7's dataset, while the i7's average is based solely on its Cinebench results. When the same tests are run on both processors, the i5 wins every time.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-3475S wins in every benchmark category where both processors have recorded results. In multicore workloads, it leads by 13.5% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. In single-core workloads, it leads by 13.7–13.8% in Cinebench R20 and R23. This means the i5 is the stronger choice for both heavily threaded applications like video rendering and for single-threaded tasks such as legacy software or lightly threaded games.

The i7-2710QE's only apparent advantage is that it has no recorded losses in any of its benchmark entries — but that is because its dataset contains no Geekbench scores. When compared directly on shared tests, it loses all five. However, the i7 does offer Hyper-Threading (8 threads versus 4), which could theoretically benefit workloads that scale with thread count beyond four physical cores. The benchmark data does not support this theory, as the i5 wins multicore tests despite having half the thread count.

For users prioritizing raw single-core performance, the i5-3475S is the clear pick, with a 13.8% advantage in Cinebench R20 single-core and 13.7% in R23. For users who need a mobile processor with integrated graphics, the i7-2710QE is the only option in this comparison, as it belongs to the mobile segment. But purely on performance numbers, the i5 wins every measurable contest.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel microarchitectures and manufacturing processes. The i7-2710QE is built on Sandy Bridge, fabricated on a 32 nm process at Intel. It contains 1,160 million transistors on a die size of 216 mm². The i5-3475S uses Ivy Bridge, fabricated on a 22 nm process, with 1,400 million transistors on a smaller 160 mm² die. This means the i5 packs more transistors into less silicon, reflecting a denser and more advanced manufacturing node.

Both processors feature 4 physical cores, but the i7-2710QE supports 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, while the i5-3475S is limited to 4 threads. Cache configurations are identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. This is a notable similarity — the i5 does not gain an advantage from larger caches, so its performance lead must come from architecture improvements and clock speeds.

Clock speeds differ significantly. The i7-2710QE has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz. The i5-3475S runs at 2.90 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost. The i5's higher clocks, combined with the IPC improvements of Ivy Bridge over Sandy Bridge, explain its consistent benchmark lead.

Integrated graphics also differ. The i7-2710QE features Intel HD 3000, while the i5-3475S ships with Intel HD 4000. The i5's newer graphics architecture is part of the Ivy Bridge generation. Memory support is another differentiator: the i5-3475S explicitly supports DDR3 memory, while no memory support is listed for the i7. Both use dual-channel memory buses. PCIe support is only specified for the i5, which offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only); no PCIe information is provided for the i7.

The socket and market segment reflect their intended roles: the i7-2710QE uses Intel Socket G2 (988B) and is a mobile processor, while the i5-3475S uses Intel Socket 1155 and is a desktop processor. The i7 carries a TDP of 45 watts, while the i5 draws 65 watts. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multicore performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-3475S wins all three multicore Cinebench tests. It scores 371 versus 321 in R15, 1547 versus 1338 in R20, and 3685 versus 3186 in R23, each a 13.5% advantage.

Q: Does the i7-2710QE's Hyper-Threading help it in any benchmark?

A: No. Despite having 8 threads versus the i5's 4, the i7-2710QE loses every multicore test. The i5 wins Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore by 13.5% each time.

Q: What is the single-core performance difference?

A: The i5-3475S leads by 13.8% in Cinebench R20 single-core (218 versus 188) and by 13.7% in Cinebench R23 single-core (520 versus 449).

Q: Are the cache sizes the same?

A: Yes. Both processors have 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i7-2710QE has an average benchmark score of 1096, while the i5-3475S averages 1091. The i5's average is lower despite winning all head-to-head tests because its dataset includes Geekbench scores that the i7's dataset lacks.

Q: Which processor has a smaller manufacturing node?

A: The i5-3475S uses a 22 nm process, while the i7-2710QE uses a 32 nm process. The i5 also has a smaller die (160 mm² versus 216 mm²) but more transistors (1,400 million versus 1,160 million).

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-2710QE | Intel Core i5-3475S |

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

| Cores | 4 | 4 |

| Threads | 8 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.00 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket G2 (988B) | Intel Socket 1155 |

| Architecture | Sandy Bridge | Ivy Bridge |

| Process Node | 32 nm | 22 nm |

| Transistors | 1,160 million | 1,400 million |

| Die Size | 216 mm² | 160 mm² |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 | Intel HD 4000 |

| Memory Support | Not specified | DDR3 |

| PCIe | Not specified | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Not specified |

| Release Date | 2011-01-02 | 2012-05-31 |

| Part Number | SR02T | SR0PP |

| Percentile (vs. all CPUs) | 31 | 30 |

The two processors share identical L1 and L2 cache sizes per core, identical 6 MB shared L3 cache, dual-channel memory buses, lack of ECC support, and locked multipliers. Both are Intel parts with no unlocked multiplier option and no launch MSRP listed.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous in performance terms: the Intel Core i5-3475S is the faster processor in every shared benchmark. It wins all five head-to-head tests, with margins ranging from 13.5% in multicore to 13.8% in single-core. The i5's higher base and boost clocks (2.90/3.60 GHz versus 2.10/3.00 GHz), combined with the architectural improvements of Ivy Bridge over Sandy Bridge, deliver a decisive performance advantage despite having half the thread count.

The i7-2710QE's only redeeming features are its lower TDP (45 W versus 65 W) and its mobile form factor (Socket G2 versus Socket 1155). For users building a desktop system, the i5-3475S is the obvious choice — it fits a standard desktop socket and outperforms the i7 in every measured category. For users requiring a mobile processor, the i7-2710QE is the only one of the two that fits that segment, though its performance is consistently lower.

The percentile rankings place both processors near the bottom of the performance spectrum — the i7 at the 31st percentile and the i5 at the 30th percentile of all CPUs. Neither is a high-performance part by modern standards, but within this comparison, the i5-3475S is the clear winner. The verdict is straightforward: choose the i5-3475S for desktop applications where performance matters and the i7-2710QE only if the mobile socket and lower power draw are absolute requirements. The benchmark results leave no room for ambiguity — 5 wins to 0.