Intel Core i5-3475S
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Core i5-3475S Specifications
Core i5-3475S Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i5-3475S features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i5-3475S Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i5-3475S benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i5-3475S by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i5-3475S Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i5-3475S processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i5-3475S's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Ivy Bridge Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i5-3475S is built on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i5-3475S incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Ivy Bridge Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i5-3475S by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i5-3475S Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i5-3475S has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1155 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i5-3475S uses the Intel Socket 1155 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1155 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i5-3475S define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i5-3475S determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i5-3475S Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i5-3475S includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i5-3475S provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i5-3475S Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i5-3475S is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i5-3475S by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i5-3475S Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i5-3475S performs in parallel rendering workloads.
cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i5-3475S handles tasks that can't be parallelized.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i5-3475S. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i5-3475S. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i5-3475S after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i5-3475S maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i5-3475S across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i5-3475S can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.
About Intel Core i5-3475S
The Intel Core i5-3475S is built on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, which represented a significant "tick" in Intel's process technology, offering improved performance per watt over its Sandy Bridge predecessor. With a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a Turbo Boost frequency that can reach up to 3.60 GHz for single-threaded tasks, this quad-core processor balances responsiveness with efficiency. Its 65W TDP makes the I5-3475S chip from Intel a compelling choice for compact desktops and all-in-one systems where thermal headroom is limited, but does this power envelope truly deliver a silent computing experience under load? The cache hierarchy, featuring 6MB of shared L3 cache, is crucial for feeding data to the four cores, yet one might question how it holds up against modern workloads with larger data sets. Target use cases for such a CPU would logically include mainstream office productivity, light content consumption, and casual gaming, but is its integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics sufficient for anything beyond basic display output? The architectural improvements of Ivy Bridge, including the tri-gate transistors, were a key selling point, yet a decade later, how does the overall design philosophy compare to contemporary hybrid architectures?
- The 22nm Ivy Bridge microarchitecture introduced 3D Tri-Gate transistors for enhanced power efficiency.
- Base clock speed is set at 2.90 GHz, with a maximum single-core turbo frequency of 3.60 GHz.
- A Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 watts classifies it as a power-efficient option within its generation.
- The cache subsystem includes a shared 6 MB L3 cache, alongside private L1 and L2 caches for each core.
- This particular Intel Core i5 model is socketed for LGA 1155, limiting upgrade paths to older platforms.
- Primary intended uses are for small form factor PCs and energy-conscious mainstream desktop builds.
When evaluating the Core i5-3475S, its benchmark scores, such as a Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 3,655 points, place it firmly as a competent performer for its era, but how does this translate to real-world application performance today? The lack of Hyper-Threading, resulting in four threads from four physical cores, was a defining characteristic of the i5 lineup, but does this limitation create noticeable bottlenecks in multitasking scenarios compared to hyper-threaded competitors? The power consumption profile of this 65W CPU suggests a cool and quiet operation, yet one must ask if the thermal solution in pre-built systems adequately leverages this for sustained performance. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, while a step up from previous generations, raises the question of its viability for even lightweight gaming without a discrete GPU. This specific Ivy Bridge processor from Intel targets users seeking a balance of performance and efficiency, but is it still a viable foundation for a modern office PC given its age? Ultimately, the technical legacy of the i5-3475S lies in its role as a efficient workhorse, though its relevance in the current landscape is certainly debatable.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i5-3475S
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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