CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570R vs Intel Core i5-4590S
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.
Solid for everyday office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Surprisingly good for an iGPU from 2013, thanks to eDRAM.
Handles older games fine but bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 threads.
Limited to light VM usage.
Efficiency
Highly optimized for 65W given the graphical power.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM doesn't significantly help modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration
- Unsuitable for modern AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can play Bioshock Infinite at 1080p
- Handles older titles at 720p/1080p medium
- Still outdated for modern 3D games
- Requires a dedicated GPU
- Pairs well with GTX 1050 Ti or RX 570
- Will struggle with modern CPU-bound titles
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
- Decent single-core performance for legacy apps
- Affordable used drop-in upgrade
- Intel HD 4600 graphics included
- Good for basic office and HTPC use
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Locked multiplier
- No official Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Limited to 4 threads
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 i5-4590S
- AMD FX-8350Rival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4590Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Intel Core i3-4370Rival
Budget Desktop
Newer Haswell Refresh with slightly higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4790SAlt
Hyper-threaded efficient alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GAlt
Modern budget APU alternative.
Modern budget hexa-core alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Modern budget hexa-core alternative.
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 solid Haswell Refresh chip that slightly improves clocks over the 4570S while maintaining 65W efficiency.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for an older LGA 1150 motherboard.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570R or Intel Core i5-4590S?
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 i5-4590S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570R leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i5-4590S.
Do Intel Core i5-4570R and Intel Core i5-4590S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570R: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i5-4590S: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4590S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570R (3,500), Intel Core i5-4590S (3,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.