Unleashing the Powerhouse: Intel Core i5 3470s vs Intel Core i9 10900x – The Ultimate CPU Showdown!

The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with newer generations offering significant performance improvements. But what happens when you compare a CPU from the past with one from the present? Today, we’re going to dive into a generation gap showdown: the Intel Core i5 3470s vs the Intel Core i9 10900x.
This comparison might seem unusual, as the Intel Core i5 3470s was launched in 2012, while the Intel Core i9 10900x debuted in 2019. However, this contrast highlights the dramatic advancements in CPU technology over the years.

Understanding the Competitors

Let’s start by understanding the key features of each processor:
Intel Core i5 3470s:

• Released: 2012
• Architecture: Ivy Bridge
• Cores: 4
• Threads: 4
• Base Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz
• L3 Cache: 6 MB
• TDP: 77 W

Intel Core i9 10900x:

• Released: 2019
• Architecture: Comet Lake
• Cores: 10
• Threads: 20
• Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 5.3 GHz
• L3 Cache: 20 MB
• TDP: 105 W

Core Count and Performance: A Clear Winner

The first major difference is the core count. The Intel Core i9 10900x boasts 10 cores compared to the Intel Core i5 3470s’ 4 cores. This translates to significantly higher multi-core performance, particularly in tasks demanding heavy processing power, like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.

Clock Speed: The Advantage of Modern Architecture

While the Intel Core i5 3470s has a slightly higher base clock speed, the Intel Core i9 10900x’s boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz is significantly faster. This difference is due to the advancements in CPU architecture and manufacturing processes over the years. The Intel Core i9 10900x can utilize its higher clock speed to deliver faster processing speeds for single-threaded tasks.

Cache Memory: More is Always Better

The Intel Core i9 10900x has a much larger L3 cache (20 MB) compared to the Intel Core i5 3470s (6 MB). This means the Intel Core i9 10900x can store more data closer to the processor, leading to faster access and overall performance improvements.

Architecture and Efficiency: A Leap Forward

The Intel Core i9 10900x benefits from a more advanced architecture (Comet Lake) compared to the Intel Core i5 3470s (Ivy Bridge). This newer architecture incorporates several improvements, including increased efficiency, better power management, and enhanced instruction sets, leading to better performance and reduced power consumption.

Benchmarks: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Real-world benchmarks clearly demonstrate the performance gap between these two processors. The Intel Core i9 10900x consistently outperforms the Intel Core i5 3470s in multi-core benchmarks like Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 5. In single-threaded benchmarks, the Intel Core i9 10900x also holds an advantage due to its higher clock speed.

Gaming Performance: The Verdict

While the Intel Core i9 10900x delivers superior performance in most scenarios, gaming performance might be a different story. Modern games are increasingly optimized for multi-core performance, but the Intel Core i9 10900x’s high core count might not always translate to a significant frame rate advantage in games that are not heavily multi-threaded. In some cases, the Intel Core i5 3470s, with its faster clock speed, could potentially achieve similar frame rates in less demanding games.

The Bottom Line: A Clear Winner

The Intel Core i9 10900x is a clear winner in this comparison. It offers significantly more cores, a higher clock speed, a larger cache, a more advanced architecture, and better power efficiency than the Intel Core i5 3470s. While the Intel Core i5 3470s might still be sufficient for basic tasks, the Intel Core i9 10900x is the superior choice for demanding applications and tasks requiring high processing power.

Beyond Performance: Considerations for Your Needs

While the Intel Core i9 10900x is undoubtedly the more powerful option, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget. The Intel Core i5 3470s might still be a viable option for less demanding tasks or if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some factors to consider:

• Your budget: The Intel Core i9 10900x is significantly more expensive than the Intel Core i5 3470s.
• Your workload: If you primarily use your computer for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light productivity, the Intel Core i5 3470s might be sufficient.
• Future-proofing: The Intel Core i9 10900x is a more future-proof option as it can handle demanding applications that might not be possible with the Intel Core i5 3470s.

A Final Word: Embracing the Evolution of Technology

This comparison highlights the remarkable progress in CPU technology over the years. While the Intel Core i5 3470s was a capable processor in its time, the Intel Core i9 10900x demonstrates the power of innovation and the significant performance gains achieved through advancements in architecture, manufacturing processes, and core count. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more impressive performance leaps in the years to come.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I upgrade my Intel Core i5 3470s to an Intel Core i9 10900x?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot directly upgrade from an Intel Core i5 3470s to an Intel Core i9 10900x. These processors use different sockets, and the motherboard supporting the Intel Core i5 3470s is not compatible with the Intel Core i9 10900x.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 10900x still a good choice in 2023?
A: The Intel Core i9 10900x is still a powerful processor and can handle demanding tasks. However, newer CPUs like the Intel Core i9 12900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X offer better performance and efficiency.
Q: What are the main differences between the Intel Core i5 3470s and Intel Core i9 10900x?
A: The main differences lie in core count, clock speed, cache size, architecture, and overall performance. The Intel Core i9 10900x significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5 3470s in almost every aspect.
Q: Should I buy a new CPU or upgrade my existing Intel Core i5 3470s?
A: If you’re experiencing performance issues with your Intel Core i5 3470s, upgrading to a newer CPU, like the Intel Core i9 10900x or a more recent model, is a good option. However, consider your budget and workload before deciding.