CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3570T vs Intel Core i5-4570T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3570T is a low-power quad-core desktop processor launched in April 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge family. Built on a 22 nm process, it features a base clock of 2.3 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 3.3 GHz. The 'T' suffix indicates a strict 45 W TDP, significantly lower than the standard 77 W of typical Ivy Bridge i5 chips. This makes it highly suitable for small form factor (SFF) PCs, home theater PCs (HTPCs), and All-in-One systems where thermal constraints are critical. It includes 6 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD 2500 graphics. While its base clock is low, the turbo boost provides adequate single-threaded responsiveness for everyday tasks. For users needing a cool and quiet quad-core solution for space-constrained environments, the 3570T was an excellent option during its era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Quad cores handle office apps, but the low base clock limits responsiveness.
Good single-core speed helps office apps, but dual-core limits heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Low base clock and HD 2500 make it unsuitable for gaming.
HD 4600 graphics are insufficient for anything beyond very old or 2D games.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but clock speeds are a limiting factor.
Limited core count makes running VMs sluggish.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt for a 2012 desktop chip.
Excellent efficiency for a desktop chip, running very cool.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated graphics too weak
- Low base clock limits frame rates
- Needs a dedicated GPU for any real gaming
- Intel HD 4600 is too weak for modern gaming
- Can handle retro or 2D indie games
- Shares system memory
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Very low 35W TDP for a desktop chip
- High turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- Uses socketed LGA 1150
- Runs very cool and quiet
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- Obsolete DDR3 memory support
- Weak integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i5-4570T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-4340Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-6600KRival
Desktop
Modern quad-core with vastly superior single-thread performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Better integrated graphics and modern platform.
Cheap hex-core for budget desktop builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Excellent value and multi-threaded performance.
- Intel Pentium G4560Alt
Older but much cheaper dual-core alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
An 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 reviewAn efficient and cool-running chip for its time, but severely outdated by modern dual-core standards.
Best for: If you are considering the Core i5-4570T today, it should only be for upgrading an existing LGA 1150 system where your current chip is failing, or for building a very basic retro or office PC using salvaged parts. It holds no value for new purchases due to its age and lack of modern feature support. If found cheaply, it can serve as a capable home server or HTPC processor, handling media streaming and basic network tasks adequately. However, its dual-core limitation will be a bottleneck for modern web browsing with heavy scripts. Do not spend more than a few dollars on this processor. Anyone building a new system should look toward modern 12th or 13th Gen Intel alternatives, or AMD's Ryzen series, which offer vastly superior efficiency and performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3570T or Intel Core i5-4570T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4570T 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 uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4570T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3570T (45 W), Intel Core i5-4570T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3570T and Intel Core i5-4570T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3570T: Intel Socket 1155 (LGA1155), Intel Core i5-4570T: Intel Socket 1150 (LGA1150)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-3570T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-3570T (4 cores), Intel Core i5-4570T (2 cores).
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), Intel Core i5-4570T (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.