CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2550K vs Intel Core i5-3570K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2550K is a specialized unlocked quad-core Sandy Bridge desktop processor released in early 2012, featuring a disabled integrated GPU, a 3.4 GHz base clock, and a 3.8 GHz turbo boost for pure discrete-GPU overclocking builds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Marginally faster than the 2500K in multi-threaded tasks due to 100 MHz higher clocks, but still inadequate for modern software.
Handles office apps fine, but struggles with heavy modern web scripts.
Gaming
The slight clock bump over the 2500K is imperceptible in games. Still completely obsolete for modern titles.
Overclocked, it can handle older games well, but bottlenecks modern GPUs heavily.
Virtualization
Lacks VT-d, and the lack of an iGPU means no iGPU passthrough, reducing its utility in virtualization setups.
Basic VM capability, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Despite the disabled iGPU, power consumption when overclocked is still very high by modern standards.
Efficiency drops significantly when overclocked due to 22nm thermal limits.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2 and modern instruction extensions
- Unable to handle any practical AI workload
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Virtually identical gaming performance to an overclocked i5-2500K
- Cannot function without a discrete graphics card
- Modern games are heavily CPU-limited on this architecture
- Requires a dedicated GPU
- Can still run eSports titles at low settings when overclocked
- PCIe 3.0 support helps with GPU compatibility
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Slightly higher clocks out of the box than the 2500K
- Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking
- Disabled iGPU meant 100% of the die was dedicated to CPU tasks
- Has become a unique collector's piece
- No iGPU driver conflicts for pure discrete GPU systems
Cons
- No integrated graphics whatsoever
- Lost Intel Quick Sync video encoding
- More expensive at launch than the 2500K for negligible gains
- Lacks VT-d
- No Hyper-Threading
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Intel HD 4000 graphics
- Supports PCIe 3.0
- True 4 physical cores
Cons
- Obsolete 22nm process
- Uses thermal paste under IHS, limiting thermal transfer
- Weak integrated graphics for modern gaming
- Uses DDR3 memory
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-2550K
- AMD Bulldozer FX-4170Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-2600KRival
Desktop Premium
- AMD FX-6200Rival
Desktop Multi-thread
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570KRival
Next-Gen Enthusiast
Intel Core i5-3570K
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
Vastly superior modern quad-core with hyper-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Excellent value used hex-core.
Slightly faster Haswell alternative for a newer socket.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 4100Alt
Budget modern alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
An intriguing engineering footnote that disabled the iGPU for theoretical overclocking gains, but its minor clock bump and higher price over the 2500K made it one of the least relevant 'K' series processors Intel ever launched.
Best for: Purchasing as a collector's item to complete a Sandy Bridge CPU collection.
Read the full reviewA legendary overclocker's dream in its day, the 3570K still holds nostalgic value and can handle basic tasks, though it's obsolete for modern gaming.
Best for: The Core i5-3570K is obsolete and should not be considered for a new build. However, it holds niche value for enthusiasts looking to build a retro gaming rig or experiment with overclocking on a budget. If you already own a Z77 or Z75 motherboard, finding a used 3570K can be a fun, cheap project. Overclocked to 4.2-4.5 GHz, it can still handle older games and basic computing tasks. However, its lack of modern instruction sets and DDR3 support makes it irrelevant for modern workloads. Do not spend more than a few dollars on this chip. For any new system, a modern Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will offer vastly superior performance and efficiency out of the box.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2550K or Intel Core i5-3570K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3570K comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i5-2550K or Intel Core i5-3570K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3570K leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-2550K and Intel Core i5-3570K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3570K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-2550K (95 W), Intel Core i5-3570K (77 W).
Do Intel Core i5-2550K and Intel Core i5-3570K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-2550K: LGA 1155, Intel Core i5-3570K: Intel Socket 1155 (LGA1155)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3570K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2550K (4,500), Intel Core i5-3570K (6,300). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.