Quick Verdict
A legendary processor for its time that still handles basic tasks, but is completely outclassed by modern budget CPUs.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Generation (Ivy Bridge)
Market
Desktop
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 Intel Core i5-3570 was a workhorse CPU that offered fantastic value for mid-range builders. With 4 cores, 4 threads, and clocks up to 3.8 GHz, it handled contemporary games and productivity apps with ease.
Its 77W TDP made it easy to cool. Today, it is obsolete but remains a great cheap upgrade for an old LGA 1155 system, capable of light retro gaming and basic computing.
Specifications
Performance
Handles office apps fine, but struggles with heavy modern web scripts.
Basic VM capability, but limited by 4 threads.
Great for games from 2012-2015, but bottlenecks modern GPUs heavily.
Good for 2012, but outdated by modern standards.
- •Requires a dedicated GPU
- •Single-core performance is too low for modern AAA titles
- •PCIe 3.0 support helps with GPU compatibility
- •No AI hardware
- •Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
77 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-3570 utilizes the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, which is a die shrink of Sandy Bridge from 32nm to 22nm. This transition introduced Intel's 3D tri-gate transistors, significantly reducing power leakage and improving energy efficiency. The architecture provides modest IPC gains over Sandy Bridge, generally around 5 percent. The processor features four physical cores without Hyper-Threading, utilizing 6 MB of shared L3 cache. A notable upgrade is the native support for PCIe 3.0, doubling the bandwidth per lane compared to PCIe 2.0, which is beneficial for multi-GPU setups and high-speed storage. The integrated HD 2500 graphics are basic, featuring only 6 execution units, making them suitable for display output and video decoding but not gaming. The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s. Ivy Bridge also introduced better security features, including Intel Secure Key and OS Guard, enhancing its appeal for enterprise environments.
CPU Design
4 physical cores, 4 threads, no Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600 controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for direct GPU and expansion connectivity.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; limited to BCLK overclocking.
- 22nm die shrink
- Native PCIe 3.0 support
- Better memory support (1600MHz vs 1333MHz)
Key Highlights
- True 4 physical cores
- Supports PCIe 3.0
- Low price on used market
- Good for legacy system repairs
- Obsolete 22nm process
- Locked multiplier
- Weak HD 2500 integrated graphics
- Uses DDR3 memory
History
Launched in June 2012, the Core i5-3570 arrived during a critical transition for Intel. The Ivy Bridge architecture marked the industry's first move to a 22nm process, introducing 3D tri-gate transistors. While this shift improved power efficiency, early 22nm chips faced thermal issues under heavy overclocking compared to the previous 32nm Sandy Bridge.
The 3570 served as a mainstream workhorse, popular in pre-built office desktops and budget gaming rigs. It provided a modest performance bump over Sandy Bridge while maintaining backward compatibility with LGA 1155 motherboards, provided a BIOS update was applied. The era was marked by Intel's dominance in the CPU market, as AMD's Bulldozer architecture struggled to compete in single-threaded tasks.
The 3570 cemented the Core i5 lineup as the go-to choice for price-conscious performance users.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm die shrink
- Native PCIe 3.0 support
- Better memory support (1600MHz vs 1333MHz)
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Modern gaming
- Video editing
- Need DDR4/DDR5 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was one of the most popular CPUs for Steam machines.
Features Intel's 3D tri-gate transistors.
The HD 2500 graphics only have 6 execution units.
Maximum Tcase is 67°C.
Supports Intel vPro for enterprise management.
Has a maximum memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
The die size is 160 mm².
Lacks AVX2 instructions, only supporting AVX.
Uses the FC-LGA12C package.
Part of the Sandy Bridge-Ivy Bridge transition era.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i5-3570 good for gaming?
Only for retro games; it lacks the single-core speed for modern titles.
What generation is the i5-3570?
It is a 3rd generation Intel Core processor (Ivy Bridge).
Can I overclock the i5-3570?
No, the multiplier is locked. Only base clock adjustments are possible.
Does the i5-3570 support Windows 11?
Not officially, as it is not on the supported CPU list.
What socket does the i5-3570 use?
It uses the LGA 1155 socket.
What graphics are integrated into the i5-3570?
It has Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics.
Does the i5-3570 have Hyper-Threading?
No, it has 4 cores and 4 threads.
What is the TDP of the i5-3570?
The TDP is 77 Watts.
What memory does the i5-3570 support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s.
When was the i5-3570 released?
It was released in June 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i5-3570?
The base clock is 3.4 GHz.
What is the max turbo frequency?
It can boost up to 3.8 GHz.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 6 MB of L3 cache.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it offers 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
What is the max operating temperature?
Max Tcase is 67°C.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC.
What is the launch price of the i5-3570?
The launch price was $194.
Does it support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the part number for the i5-3570?
The part number is SR0T7.
Does it include AES-NI?
Yes, it supports AES-NI instructions.