CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3330S vs Intel Core i5-3570T
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.
Quad cores handle office apps, but the low base clock limits responsiveness.
Gaming
The HD 2500 graphics are extremely weak; a dedicated GPU is required for any form of gaming.
Low base clock and HD 2500 make it unsuitable for gaming.
Virtualization
Can run a couple of light VMs with VT-d support, but limited by 4 threads.
Can run basic VMs, but clock speeds are a limiting factor.
Efficiency
The 65W TDP and 22nm process provide excellent efficiency for a desktop chip of its era.
Excellent performance-per-watt for a 2012 desktop chip.
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
- Integrated graphics too weak
- Low base clock limits frame rates
- Needs a dedicated GPU for any real gaming
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- End-of-life and outdated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
- Very low 45W TDP
- True 4 physical cores
- Good for basic home servers
- Runs very cool
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- Obsolete DDR3 memory
- Weak HD 2500 graphics
- Locked multiplier
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 i5-3570T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570SRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5500Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3225Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-5700Rival
Desktop
Slightly faster Haswell alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium G3220Alt
Cheaper basic desktop alternative if power isn't a concern.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GEAlt
Modern low-power quad-core alternative.
- Intel N100Alt
Massively more efficient for basic tasks.
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 reviewAn efficient low-power chip for its time, but its low base clock and obsolete platform make it irrelevant for modern use.
Best for: The Core i5-3570T should only be considered if you are upgrading an older LGA 1155 system or building a very low-power home server from salvaged parts. Its 45W TDP and quad-core design make it decent for a DIY NAS or a pfSense router. However, its low base clock of 2.3 GHz makes it sluggish for modern web browsing and everyday multitasking. It is completely unsuited for gaming without a dedicated GPU, and even then, the low clock speeds will bottleneck older titles. Do not spend much money on this processor. If you are building a new system, even the lowest-tier modern Intel N100 or Athlon 3000G will offer vastly superior single-thread performance, efficiency, and modern I/O features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3330S or Intel Core i5-3570T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3330S comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. 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 i5-3570T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3330S leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i5-3330S and Intel Core i5-3570T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3570T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3330S (65 W), Intel Core i5-3570T (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3330S and Intel Core i5-3570T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3330S: Intel Socket 1155, Intel Core i5-3570T: Intel Socket 1155 (LGA1155)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3570T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3570T (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.