CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3330S vs Intel Core i5-3570
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3330S is a 3rd generation Ivy Bridge quad-core desktop processor with a 65W TDP, featuring Intel HD Graphics 2500 for budget and small form factor PCs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
4 cores handle basic office tasks well, but the lack of threads and older IPC limits heavy multitasking.
Handles office apps fine, but struggles with heavy modern web scripts.
Gaming
The HD 2500 graphics are extremely weak; a dedicated GPU is required for any form of gaming.
Great for games from 2012-2015, but bottlenecks modern GPUs heavily.
Virtualization
Can run a couple of light VMs with VT-d support, but limited by 4 threads.
Basic VM capability, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
The 65W TDP and 22nm process provide excellent efficiency for a desktop chip of its era.
Good for 2012, but outdated by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware support
- Aging architecture makes AI inference very slow
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 2500 graphics are only suitable for 2D applications
- Requires a discrete GPU for any 3D gaming
- Older architecture limits performance with modern GPUs
- Requires a dedicated GPU
- Single-core performance is too low for modern AAA titles
- PCIe 3.0 support helps with GPU compatibility
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- End-of-life and outdated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
Pros
- True 4 physical cores
- Supports PCIe 3.0
- Low price on used market
- Good for legacy system repairs
Cons
- Obsolete 22nm process
- Locked multiplier
- Weak HD 2500 integrated graphics
- Uses DDR3 memory
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-3570
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3550Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-3450Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-5800KRival
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 the same socket.
Compare head-to-headCheaper Sandy Bridge alternative if overclocking is desired.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 4100Alt
Budget modern alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA legendary processor for its time that still handles basic tasks, but is completely outclassed by modern budget CPUs.
Best for: The Core i5-3570 is obsolete and should not be considered for a new build. However, if you are repairing or upgrading an older LGA 1155 system, it is an excellent, cheap drop-in part. It still handles basic web browsing and document editing adequately, provided you use lightweight software and an SSD. For retro gaming, when paired with a dedicated GPU from the same era (like a GTX 660 or 750 Ti), it can run games from the early 2010s flawlessly. It is also a solid choice for a basic home server. Do not spend much money on this chip, as modern budget processors offer vastly superior performance-per-watt. If you already have the motherboard, it's a great salvage build; otherwise, look elsewhere.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3330S or Intel Core i5-3570?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3570 comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i5-3330S or Intel Core i5-3570?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3570 leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-3330S and Intel Core i5-3570.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3330S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3330S (65 W), Intel Core i5-3570 (77 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3330S and Intel Core i5-3570 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3330S: Intel Socket 1155, Intel Core i5-3570: Intel Socket 1155 (LGA1155)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3570 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3570 (6,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.