If you are looking for a good Processor for gaming and one that would not cost you a lot, the Intel Core i5 3470 processor is a good pick as it is a relatively fast quad-core processor.

In this article, I will be discussing all you need to know about the Intel Core i5 3470 processor. 

Clock Speed

The Intel Core i5-3470 is a fast LGA 1155 quad-core processor that utilises the Ivy Bridge architecture. Each core has a base speed of 3.2 GHz, but with Turbo Boost be increased up to 3.4 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.5 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.6 GHz (for 1 active core).

Cache Size

The cache size refers to the amount of main memory data a processor can hold. The Intel Core i5-3470 processor has a cache size of 6 MB. Interestingly, the processor also has a level 2 cache size of 1 MB. 

A level 2 cache (L2 cache) is a CPU cache memory that is located outside and separates from the microprocessor chip core, although found on the same processor chip package. 

It serves as the bridge for the process and memory performance gap, with its main goal to provide the necessary stored information to the processor without interruptions or delays. 

The Level 2 cache also helps to reduce the access time of data, especially when such data had been accessed before; there would be no need to load the data again.

Thermal Design Power

Also known as the thermal design point, this is the maximum amount of heat generated by a computer chip that the cooling system is designed to dissipate under any workload. For the Intel Core i5-3470, it is 77 Watt. 

Socket Type

The processor’s socket is the distinct mount used only for the processor on the motherboard to ensure correct chip insertion. The socket helps to facilitate access and prevent damage when a unit is inserted or removed. It also has a lock to prevent CPU movement, and it is designed to help secure heat sink placement above the processor. 

The Intel Core i5-3470 Processor from Intel is equipped with 4 cores and 4 threads and is installed in the LGA1155 socket.

What is its Lithography?

When lithography is mentioned in the context of processors, it tells you how tightly packed transistors are inside your processor. The lower the distance between two transistors, the faster electrons can travel between them and the lesser energy that is wasted in transit. The difference in speed and power consumption depends on the processor’s lithography. 

The lithography loosely correlates to the size of the transistors within the chip. The Intel Core i5-3470 has chip lithography of 22 nm manufacturing technology. 

What is its Turbo Boost Frequency?

The turbo boost helps to extend the frequency level of the processor above the rated frequency to achieve a higher processing power. The Turbo boost frequency for the Intel Core i5-3470 is 3.6GHz.

What is the Processor’s Maximum Memory Support?

The processor’s maximum memory support refers to short-term memory, where data can be stored when the processor needs it. The maximum memory support for the Intel Core i5 3470 is 32 GB. 

What is the Processor’s Maximum Memory Bandwidth?

The maximum memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor. It is measured in GB/s. 

The Intel Core i5 3470 has a maximum memory bandwidth capacity of 25.6 GB/s. 

What is the Processor’s Maximum Number of PCI Express Lanes?

The PCI Express lanes are the physical link between supported devices and the processor. The lanes consist of two pairs of copper wires known as traces that run through the motherboard printed circuit board (PCB). The traces connect enabled devices to either the processor or motherboard chipset.  

The Intel Core i5-3470 uses a PCI-Express Generation 3 connection that consists of 16 lanes. 

Does the Processor Support Overclocking? Any extra features?

Overclocking means increasing your processor’s clock rate, making it run at a higher speed than it was designed for. 

For the Intel Core i5-3470 processor, ideally, it is not meant to be overclocked as it is a locked processor. But you can overclock it with some special tweaking and force to the tune of 4 – 4.102 GHz. 

Other features of the Intel Core i5-3470 processor – it has thermal monitoring technology, Intel secure key and Intel Virtualization. The processor also has a 2D dimension measuring 37.5 x 37.5 mm.

Price

You can get the Intel Core i5-3470 processor, brand new for $200; refurbished for $22.30; an open box for $49.99 and pre-owned for $13.97. 

Is the Processor Good for Gaming?

The truth is that the Intel Core i5 3470 processor is great on performance, speed and graphics. So it is suitable for most tasks, including gaming, as most games do not fully use four cores. 

The Intel Core i5-3470 processor is confirmed to run games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, GTA V, League of Legends and Overwatch. 

Conclusion

The Intel Core i5 3470 is fast enough for a low-midrange processor in Intel books. The  Intel Core i5-3470 affords users great performance, speed, and graphics with extra clock speed. It is a great processor to go for. 

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