Core i5-3470 + Intel Arc A770 Bottleneck Analysis

The Core i5-3470 pairs well with the Intel Arc A770 at 4K and 1440p, but at 1080p the CPU limits the GPU by roughly 12-17% depending on the game - buy this combo for 1440p and 4K gaming, not competitive 1080p.

Balance across resolutions

1080p

CPU 12-17%

1440p

Balanced

4K

Balanced

Benchmark data updated July 2026 · prices sync daily from retail feeds · how we score

Component scores below are out of 100 on our gaming-performance scale, weighted by how much each resolution leans on the CPU vs the GPU - the closer the two weighted scores, the more balanced the pairing.

1080p (Full HD)

Moderate CPU Bottleneck (12-17%)
CPU: Core i5-3470Score: 32/100

Limiting factor at this resolution

GPU: Intel Arc A770Score: 48/100
CPU Weight: 60%GPU Weight: 40%

Estimated AAA Game FPS

Based on gaming scores. Actual FPS varies by title.

perf

80

FPS

CPU limited

balanced

79

FPS

ultra

60

FPS

At 1080p (Full HD), the Core i5-3470 will hold back the Intel Arc A770 by roughly 12-17% depending on the game - CPU-heavy titles will feel it most. The processor cannot feed frames to the GPU fast enough, so you may see lower-than-expected frame rates. Upgrading to a faster CPU would unlock the full potential of your Intel Arc A770.

1440p (Quad HD)

Well Balanced
CPU: Core i5-3470Score: 32/100
GPU: Intel Arc A770Score: 48/100
CPU Weight: 40%GPU Weight: 60%

Estimated AAA Game FPS

Based on gaming scores. Actual FPS varies by title.

perf

79

FPS

balanced

58

FPS

ultra

40

FPS

Great pairing! The Core i5-3470 and Intel Arc A770 are well-matched at 1440p (Quad HD). Both components will be utilized efficiently with minimal performance waste. This is an ideal combination for this resolution.

4K (Ultra HD)

Well Balanced
CPU: Core i5-3470Score: 32/100
GPU: Intel Arc A770Score: 48/100
CPU Weight: 20%GPU Weight: 80%

Estimated AAA Game FPS

Based on gaming scores. Actual FPS varies by title.

perf

50

FPS

balanced

35

FPS

ultra

25

FPS

Great pairing! The Core i5-3470 and Intel Arc A770 are well-matched at 4K (Ultra HD). Both components will be utilized efficiently with minimal performance waste. This is an ideal combination for this resolution.

Core i5-3470 + Intel Arc A770

We do not recommend buying every part in this pairing today - the ones worth buying link out to retailers, and the rest point to current alternatives instead:

Core i5-3470

CPU · Score 32/100

Core i5-3470

LGA1155 · 77W TDP

Not recommended
See current builds→Check used on eBay
Intel Arc A770

GPU · Score 48/100

Intel Arc A770

16GB VRAM · 225W TDP · used / remaining stock

Out of stock - last seen $369 (Aug 2)
Check availabilityNewegg

The Intel Arc A770 is discontinued - its price is an estimate of the used / remaining-stock market, not current new-retail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Core i5-3470 a bottleneck for the Intel Arc A770?

No, the Core i5-3470 and Intel Arc A770 are well-matched at 1440p with only a 10% difference. This is an excellent pairing.

What resolution is best for the Core i5-3470 + Intel Arc A770?

The Core i5-3470 and Intel Arc A770 are most balanced at 4k with only a 5% bottleneck. At 1080p, bottleneck is 14%. At 1440p, it's 10%. At 4K, it's 5%.

Should I upgrade from the Core i5-3470 or Intel Arc A770?

Neither - this pairing is well-balanced. Only upgrade when you want to target a higher resolution or need more performance in specific games.

Try Different Components

Want to test other parts? Use our free bottleneck calculator to compare any CPU and GPU pair.