CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3570S vs Intel Core i7-3770K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3570S is a low-power quad-core desktop processor released in June 2012 under the Ivy Bridge architecture. Built on a 22 nm process, it features four physical cores and four threads. The 'S' suffix indicates a low-power variant, operating at a 65 W TDP instead of the standard 77 W. It runs at a base clock of 3.1 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz. This processor was designed for mainstream desktops and All-in-One systems where a balance of performance and power efficiency is desired. It includes 6 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD 2500 graphics. While not suited for high-end gaming, the i5-3570S provides reliable performance for everyday productivity, web browsing, and media consumption. Its lower TDP allows for quieter cooling solutions, making it a solid choice for office environments and living room PCs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office suites and multitasking well enough for basic use.
Handles office tasks but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Quad cores are okay for old games, but single-thread speed is too low today.
Severely bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
Virtualization
Can run a basic VM, but lacks Hyper-Threading.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for a 22nm desktop chip.
77W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern inference
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a dedicated GPU
- Low single-thread performance by modern standards
- Not recommended for modern AAA games
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
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 i5-3570S
- 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.
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 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 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 faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3570S or Intel Core i7-3770K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3570S leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i5-3570S and Intel Core i7-3770K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3570S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3570S (65 W), Intel Core i7-3770K (77 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3570S and Intel Core i7-3770K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3570S: 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 i5-3570S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3570S (6,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.