CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3570T vs Intel Core i7-3770K
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.
Handles office tasks but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Low base clock and HD 2500 make it unsuitable for gaming.
Severely bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but clock speeds are a limiting factor.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt for a 2012 desktop chip.
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
- Integrated graphics too weak
- Low base clock limits frame rates
- Needs a dedicated GPU for any real gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
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
- 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 i5-3570T
- 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 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
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 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 i5-3570T or Intel Core i7-3770K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3770K 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 i5-3570T or Intel Core i7-3770K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3570T leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i5-3570T and Intel Core i7-3770K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3570T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3570T (45 W), Intel Core i7-3770K (77 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3570T and Intel Core i7-3770K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3570T: 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 i5-3570T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3570T (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.