Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i7-3770K (Intel, 2012) and Core i5-3470 (Intel, 2012) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i7-3770K is about 55.2% faster
Both use the same LGA1155 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i7-3770K | i5-3470 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 9,000 | 5,800 |
| Generation | 3rd Gen | 3rd Gen |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| Release Year | 2012 | 2012 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce GTX 1660 | Radeon RX 570 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i7-3770K |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Either works (same LGA1155 socket) |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i5-3470 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i7-3770K is about 55.2% higher by score (i7-3770K: 9000 points / i5-3470: 5800 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Both are 3rd Gen-generation CPUs.Both use the same LGA1155 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce GTX 1660 pairs well with i7-3770K and Radeon RX 570 pairs well with i5-3470. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
