CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570R vs Intel Core i3-12100
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.
Handles everyday office tasks and web applications with ease, but heavy multitasking will expose the 4-core limitation.
Gaming
Surprisingly good for an iGPU from 2013, thanks to eDRAM.
Delivers playable 1080p frame rates in esports and older AAA titles when paired with a mid-range GPU, though 4 cores limit performance in modern CPU-heavy games.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 threads.
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine, but lacks the core count for serious virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
Highly optimized for 65W given the graphical power.
Very power-efficient for a desktop processor, drawing little power at idle and scaling linearly under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM doesn't significantly help modern AI workloads
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- CPU-based inference is slow with only 4 cores
- Not designed or recommended for machine learning tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can play Bioshock Infinite at 1080p
- Handles older titles at 720p/1080p medium
- Still outdated for modern 3D games
- Strong single-core performance benefits esports titles significantly
- Bottlenecks appear with GPUs above the RTX 3060 tier in CPU-bound games
- UHD 730 iGPU is insufficient for modern gaming
- 4 cores and 8 threads are the minimum recommended for modern PC gaming
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
- Outstanding single-thread performance for the price
- Includes UHD Graphics 730 for display output without a dGPU
- Bundled Laminar RM1 cooler saves money
- DDR4 and DDR5 memory flexibility
- PCIe 5.0 support for future-proofing
- Very low 60 W power consumption
Cons
- Only 4 cores limit heavy multi-threaded workloads
- No hybrid E-cores like higher-tier Alder Lake parts
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- UHD 730 iGPU is too weak for modern gaming
- LGA 1700 is a dead-end platform following 14th-gen
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 i3-12100
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Rival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300GRival
Budget APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Previous-Gen AM4
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10100Rival
Previous-Gen Intel
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GRival
Mainstream APU
Saves $25 if a dedicated GPU is already part of the build plan.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Provides 6 Golden Cove cores for significantly better multitasking and gaming longevity.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
A step up in price but offers a much more balanced 6-core/12-thread profile for gaming and productivity.
If priced similarly, the 13th-gen offers a slight frequency bump for a seamless upgrade.
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 reviewThe i3-12100 delivers exceptional single-threaded performance for its $122 price point, complete with an iGPU and a stock cooler, making it one of the most well-rounded budget desktop processors Intel has ever produced.
Best for: Buy the i3-12100 if you are building a budget desktop PC and want the peace of mind of having integrated graphics as a fallback, or if you do not plan to install a dedicated GPU. At its current street price, it is an excellent choice for office PCs, student workstations, and entry-level gaming rigs paired with a mid-range graphics card like the GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600. Avoid it only if you are certain you will never need the iGPU, as the 12100F offers identical CPU performance for less money.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570R or Intel Core i3-12100?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-12100 comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i3-12100?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-12100 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i3-12100.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-12100 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4570R (65 W), Intel Core i3-12100 (60 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i3-12100 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570R: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i3-12100: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-12100 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570R (3,500), Intel Core i3-12100 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.