CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570S vs Intel Core i5-3330S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4570S is a quad-core desktop processor introduced in June 2013 as part of the Haswell generation. Designed with a 65-watt TDP, the 'S' suffix indicates its focus on power efficiency without sacrificing too much performance. Operating at a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and boosting up to 3.6 GHz, it provided a balanced approach for both everyday tasks and moderate workloads. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it packs 1.4 billion transistors into a 177 mm² die. This processor was a favorite for small form factor builds and home theater PCs (HTPCs) where heat dissipation was a priority. It features Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics, capable of handling 4K video playback and older games at low settings. With 6MB of L3 cache, it delivered snappy application responsiveness. While obsolete by today's standards, it was a highly regarded efficiency chip during its prime.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for basic tasks, 6MB cache helps responsiveness.
4 cores handle basic office tasks well, but the lack of threads and older IPC limits heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Handles older games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
The HD 2500 graphics are extremely weak; a dedicated GPU is required for any form of gaming.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 threads.
Can run a couple of light VMs with VT-d support, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its generation.
The 65W TDP and 22nm process provide excellent efficiency for a desktop chip of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- Not suitable for AI workloads
- No AI hardware support
- Aging architecture makes AI inference very slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a dedicated GPU for 3D gaming
- Suitable for e-sports titles from the 2010s
- Will bottleneck any GPU newer than a GTX 1060
- HD 2500 graphics are only suitable for 2D applications
- Requires a discrete GPU for any 3D gaming
- Older architecture limits performance with modern GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Low 65W TDP for cool and quiet operation
- True quad-core design for basic multitasking
- Uses the ubiquitous LGA 1155 socket
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Weak HD 2500 integrated graphics
- No Hyper-Threading
- End-of-life and outdated
- Locked multiplier
- DDR3 memory only
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-3330S
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-3450Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600KRival
Desktop APU
- Intel Core i3-3220Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
A newer Haswell generation low-power CPU if upgrading within a similar tier.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget modern alternative with vastly superior Vega integrated graphics.
A modern budget quad-core that obliterates this chip in every metric.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
A modern APU that offers incredible integrated graphics and CPU performance.
A budget modern CPU that offers 6 cores and 12 threads for cheap.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA reliable low-power quad-core for its time, good for basic desktop tasks, but severely lacking in graphical and multi-threaded performance today.
Best for: Reviving an old office PC for basic web browsing or as a home NAS server.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570S or Intel Core i5-3330S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4570S comes out ahead with a score of 6.8/10. 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 i5-4570S or Intel Core i5-3330S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570S leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-4570S and Intel Core i5-3330S.
Do Intel Core i5-4570S and Intel Core i5-3330S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570S: LGA 1150, Intel Core i5-3330S: Intel Socket 1155), 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 i5-4570S (3,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.