CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570R vs Intel Core i5-4430S
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 office suites and multitasking well enough for basic use.
Gaming
Surprisingly good for an iGPU from 2013, thanks to eDRAM.
Quad cores are okay for old games, but single-thread speed is too low today.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 threads.
Can run a basic VM, but lacks Hyper-Threading.
Efficiency
Highly optimized for 65W given the graphical power.
Good efficiency for a 22nm desktop chip.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM doesn't significantly help modern AI workloads
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern inference
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- Still outdated for modern 3D games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
- Low single-thread performance by modern standards
- Not recommended for modern AAA games
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
- Good 65W TDP
- True 4 physical cores
- Reliable for basic office tasks
- Socketed design
Cons
- Low clock speeds
- Obsolete DDR3 memory
- No Hyper-Threading
- Weak integrated graphics
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 i5-4430S
- Intel Core i5-4430Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4440SRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3470SRival
Desktop
- AMD A10-6700Rival
Desktop
Vastly superior single-core and modern platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4500Alt
Cheap 6-core processor for budget builds.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Modern 6-core with excellent price/performance.
- AMD Ryzen 3 4100Alt
Budget quad-core alternative.
- Intel Pentium G7400Alt
Modern dual-core for basic needs.
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 well-balanced 65W quad-core that was a staple in pre-built office PCs, but is too slow for modern demanding workloads.
Best for: For modern users, the Core i5-4430S holds very little value outside of maintaining an older system. If you have a functioning LGA 1150 motherboard and need a cheap processor to keep an office machine or media center running, this chip is adequate. Its quad-core design still handles basic web browsing and document editing reasonably well. However, it struggles significantly with modern gaming and heavy multitasking. It should never be purchased for a new build, as its platform lacks support for modern I/O like NVMe booting (on most older boards), USB 3.1 Gen 2, and DDR4 memory. If you find one used for a few dollars, it might be worth it to revive an old PC. Otherwise, save your money for a modern entry-level processor, which will offer vastly superior single-core speeds and power efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570R or Intel Core i5-4430S?
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 i5-4430S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570R leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i5-4430S.
Do Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i5-4430S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570R: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i5-4430S: Intel Socket 1150 (LGA1150)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4430S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570R (3,500), Intel Core i5-4430S (6,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.