CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570S vs Intel Core i5-3570S
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.
Handles office suites and multitasking well enough for basic use.
Gaming
Handles older games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Quad cores are okay for old games, but single-thread speed is too low today.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 threads.
Can run a basic VM, but lacks Hyper-Threading.
Efficiency
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its generation.
Good efficiency for a 22nm desktop chip.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- Not suitable for AI workloads
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern inference
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
- 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
- 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
- Good 65W TDP
- True 4 physical cores
- Reliable for basic office tasks
- Socketed design
Cons
- Low clock speeds compared to modern chips
- Obsolete DDR3 memory
- No Hyper-Threading
- Weak integrated graphics
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 i5-3570S
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-3450SRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500SRival
Desktop
- AMD A10-5700Rival
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 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 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 i5-3570S holds very little value outside of maintaining an older system. If you have a functioning LGA 1155 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.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570S or Intel Core i5-3570S?
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 i5-3570S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570S leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-4570S and Intel Core i5-3570S.
Do Intel Core i5-4570S and Intel Core i5-3570S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570S: LGA 1150, Intel Core i5-3570S: Intel Socket 1155 (LGA1155)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3570S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570S (3,600), Intel Core i5-3570S (6,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.