CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570R vs Intel Core i5-4570S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4570R is a unique quad-core desktop processor launched in June 2013. Unlike standard Haswell chips, it belongs to the Crystalwell family and features a Ball Grid Array (BGA) 1364 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. Its standout feature is the integrated Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics, backed by 128MB of embedded DRAM (eDRAM). This made it exceptionally powerful for integrated graphics at the time, capable of playing games like BioShock Infinite at 1080p without a dedicated GPU. Operating at 2.7 GHz base and 3.2 GHz turbo, it prioritizes graphical prowess over raw CPU frequency. With a 65W TDP, it was designed for compact systems like the Intel NUC and certain Apple iMac models. Although its L3 cache is reduced to 4MB, the eDRAM acts as an L4 cache, boosting both graphics and compute performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Solid quad-core performance, though slightly lower clocks than 4670.
Snappy for basic tasks, 6MB cache helps responsiveness.
Gaming
Surprisingly good for an iGPU from 2013, thanks to eDRAM.
Handles older games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 threads.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Highly optimized for 65W given the graphical power.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its generation.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM doesn't significantly help modern AI workloads
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- Not suitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can play Bioshock Infinite at 1080p
- Handles older titles at 720p/1080p medium
- Still outdated for modern 3D games
- Needs a dedicated GPU for 3D gaming
- Suitable for e-sports titles from the 2010s
- Will bottleneck any GPU newer than a GTX 1060
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Powerful Iris Pro 5200 integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM boosts memory bandwidth
- Compact BGA form factor
- Great for mini PCs and NUCs
- Supports Intel Quick Sync for fast video encoding
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA), no upgrades
- Lower CPU clocks than standard Haswell parts
- Only 4MB L3 cache
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Difficult to find standalone
Pros
- Low 65W TDP ideal for SFF builds
- Strong single-core performance for its era
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- 6MB L3 cache improves multitasking
Cons
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
- No official Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Lacks modern I/O like USB 3.1 Gen 2
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4570R
- AMD A10-6800KRival
High-End APU
- AMD A10-7850KRival
High-End APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770RRival
Crystalwell Desktop
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Budget Desktop
Lower power LGA alternative if socketed is needed.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Modern APU alternative with much better graphics.
Modern entry-level alternative with superior IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Budget modern APU alternative.
Intel Core i5-4570S
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD FX-6350Rival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-4440Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
High-End APU
Unlocked variant for overclocking.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4770SAlt
Efficient hyper-threaded alternative for more threads.
Slightly newer Haswell Refresh with better clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XAlt
Modern budget alternative with SMT.
Much newer budget alternative with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A pioneering processor that brought console-class integrated graphics to compact PCs via eDRAM.
Best for: Buying a used Intel NUC or iMac with this chip for a retro compact PC.
Read the full reviewA great efficiency-focused CPU for its time, still viable for basic legacy systems but not for modern workloads.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for older LGA 1150 office PCs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570R or Intel Core i5-4570S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4570R comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4570R or Intel Core i5-4570S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570R leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i5-4570S.
Do Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i5-4570S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570R: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i5-4570S: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4570S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570R (3,500), Intel Core i5-4570S (3,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.