CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3570 vs Intel Core i7-3770K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3570 is a standard quad-core desktop processor launched in June 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge family. Built on a 22 nm process, it features four physical cores and four threads, omitting Hyper-Threading. It operates at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz. With a 77 W TDP, it strikes a balance between power consumption and performance. It includes 6 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD 2500 graphics. The i5-3570 was a highly popular choice for mid-range gaming rigs and productivity desktops during its era, offering excellent price-to-performance value. While its multiplier is locked, it supports PCIe 3.0 and dual-channel DDR3 memory. Though now end-of-life, it remains a capable chip for basic legacy computing, retro gaming, and as a drop-in upgrade for older LGA 1155 systems.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office apps fine, but struggles with heavy modern web scripts.
Handles office tasks but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Great for games from 2012-2015, but bottlenecks modern GPUs heavily.
Severely bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
Virtualization
Basic VM capability, but limited by 4 threads.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Good for 2012, but outdated by modern standards.
77W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU
- Single-core performance is too low for modern AAA titles
- PCIe 3.0 support helps with GPU compatibility
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Was a top-tier performer in 2012
- Unlocked for overclocking
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Introduced PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Infamous for poor thermal paste
- Runs hot under load
- No Windows 11 support
- End-of-life platform
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-3770K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8150Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
Successor with better IPC and AVX2.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Best value modern gaming CPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap and highly capable.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA legendary 2012 CPU that brought 22nm technology to the masses, though its thermal issues and age make it obsolete for modern workloads.
Best for: When considering the Intel Core i7-3770K today, it should strictly be viewed as a legacy component for existing systems. If you already own a functional LGA 1155 motherboard, this processor can provide a cheap and effective upgrade from a Pentium or i3, breathing new life into an older rig for basic office work or retro gaming. However, it is absolutely not recommended for new builds. The lack of Windows 11 official support, high power consumption relative to its performance, and outdated instruction sets make it inefficient. Modern budget processors like the Intel Core i3-12100F will outperform it significantly while drawing a fraction of the power.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3570 or Intel Core i7-3770K?
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 i5-3570 or Intel Core i7-3770K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3570 leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-3570 and Intel Core i7-3770K.
Do Intel Core i5-3570 and Intel Core i7-3770K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3570: Intel Socket 1155 (LGA1155), Intel Core i7-3770K: Intel Socket 1155), 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.