Quick Verdict
A pioneering processor that brought console-class integrated graphics to compact PCs via eDRAM.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i5 (Haswell)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-4570R is a unique quad-core desktop processor launched in June 2013. Unlike standard Haswell chips, it belongs to the Crystalwell family and features a Ball Grid Array (BGA) 1364 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. Its standout feature is the integrated Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics, backed by 128MB of embedded DRAM (eDRAM). This made it exceptionally powerful for integrated graphics at the time, capable of playing games like BioShock Infinite at 1080p without a dedicated GPU. Operating at 2.7 GHz base and 3.2 GHz turbo, it prioritizes graphical prowess over raw CPU frequency. With a 65W TDP, it was designed for compact systems like the Intel NUC and certain Apple iMac models. Although its L3 cache is reduced to 4MB, the eDRAM acts as an L4 cache, boosting both graphics and compute performance.
The Intel Core i5-4570R is a Crystalwell processor built for mini PCs. Its Iris Pro 5200 graphics with 128MB eDRAM allow for 1080p gaming without a dedicated GPU, though its CPU clocks are slightly lower than standard Haswell parts.
Specifications
Performance
Solid quad-core performance, though slightly lower clocks than 4670.
Limited by 4 threads.
Surprisingly good for an iGPU from 2013, thanks to eDRAM.
Highly optimized for 65W given the graphical power.
- •Can play Bioshock Infinite at 1080p
- •Handles older titles at 720p/1080p medium
- •Still outdated for modern 3D games
- •No AI hardware
- •eDRAM doesn't significantly help modern AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Crystal Well
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-4570R is built on the Crystalwell variant of the Haswell architecture. Manufactured on a 22nm process, the CPU die itself is 177 mm², but it is paired with a separate 84 mm² die containing 128MB of eDRAM, which functions as an L4 cache. This eDRAM dramatically increases memory bandwidth for the integrated Iris Pro 5200 graphics, which feature 40 execution units—double that of standard HD 4600. The processor utilizes a BGA 1364 package, eliminating socketed upgrades. It supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory and 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0. Because of the eDRAM, the total transistor count reaches 1.7 billion. The architecture allows the CPU cores to access the eDRAM as well, reducing latency in memory-bound tasks. This design was Intel's first major experiment with on-package memory, paving the way for modern chiplet designs and eDRAM usage in later Broadwell processors.
CPU Design
4 cores, 4 threads, paired with an eDRAM die.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 + 128MB eDRAM L4 cache.
PCIe & I/O
16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, soldered to motherboard.
- Massive iGPU leap with Iris Pro 5200
- Introduction of on-package eDRAM
- Better compute performance via AVX2
Key Highlights
- Powerful Iris Pro 5200 integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM boosts memory bandwidth
- Compact BGA form factor
- Great for mini PCs and NUCs
- Supports Intel Quick Sync for fast video encoding
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA), no upgrades
- Lower CPU clocks than standard Haswell parts
- Only 4MB L3 cache
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Difficult to find standalone
History
Launched in June 2013, the Core i5-4570R was a niche product aimed at the high-end mini-PC market. It gained fame for being the heart of the Intel NUC and was heavily featured in the 2013 21.5-inch Apple iMac.
At a time when integrated graphics were largely dismissed by gamers, the Iris Pro 5200 proved that Intel could build a capable GPU, provided it had sufficient memory bandwidth via eDRAM. However, the BGA socket meant it was only available to OEMs and pre-built system buyers; DIY enthusiasts could not purchase it standalone. The high cost of manufacturing the eDRAM die limited its adoption, and Intel eventually abandoned the concept for mainstream desktop parts.
Today, the 4570R is remembered as a pioneering chip that bridged the gap between CPUs and GPUs, setting the stage for modern integrated graphics advancements.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Massive iGPU leap with Iris Pro 5200
- Introduction of on-package eDRAM
- Better compute performance via AVX2
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a used Intel NUC or iMac with this chip for a retro compact PC.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Needing upgradeability
- Wanting modern gaming performance
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-4570R is built on the Crystalwell architecture, a Haswell variant.
It was the first Intel desktop processor to feature on-package eDRAM.
The 128MB eDRAM die is separate from the CPU die, connected via a high-speed interconnect.
It features Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics with 40 execution units.
The processor is soldered (BGA 1364) and cannot be put in a standard LGA 1150 motherboard.
It was widely used in the 2013 21.5-inch Apple iMac.
The total die size is 260 mm², including the CPU and eDRAM.
It has 1.7 billion transistors, 300 million more than standard Haswell.
The L3 cache is reduced to 4MB to accommodate the eDRAM architecture.
It supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes directly from the CPU.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i5-4570R good for gaming?
Its Iris Pro graphics can handle older games at 720p or 1080p low settings.
Can I upgrade the i5-4570R?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard (BGA).
What is the difference between i5-4570R and i5-4570S?
The 4570R has Iris Pro graphics and eDRAM, while the 4570S is a socketed CPU with standard HD 4600 graphics.
Does the i5-4570R support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially no, but it can be forced via workarounds.
What is Iris Pro 5200?
It is Intel's high-end integrated graphics featuring 40 execution units.
Why was the i5-4570R discontinued?
The eDRAM was expensive to manufacture, limiting its market appeal.
How much RAM does the i5-4570R support?
It depends on the motherboard, typically up to 16GB or 32GB of DDR3.
Is the eDRAM useful for non-gaming tasks?
Yes, it acts as an L4 cache and can speed up compute tasks.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 3.2 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the Core i5-4570R?
It features Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics and 128MB of eDRAM.
What socket does the i5-4570R use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard.
Can I buy the i5-4570R separately?
No, it was only sold to OEMs and is pre-installed on motherboards.
How much eDRAM does it have?
It has 128 MB of eDRAM acting as an L4 cache.
What is the clock speed of the i5-4570R?
It has a base clock of 2.7 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.2 GHz.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 4 MB of L3 cache.
What is the TDP of the i5-4570R?
It has a 65-watt TDP.
What devices use the i5-4570R?
It is commonly found in the 2013 Apple iMac and Intel NUCs.
Does it support dual-channel memory?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
What is the codename of the i5-4570R?
Its codename is Crystalwell.