Quick Verdict
An efficient low-power chip for its time, but its low base clock and obsolete platform make it irrelevant for modern use.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
3rd Generation (Ivy Bridge)
Market
Desktop
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.
Released in 2012, the Intel Core i5-3570T offered true quad-core performance in a strict 45W envelope. This made it ideal for mini-ITX builds and home theater PCs that needed to run quietly. With boost clocks up to 3.
3 GHz, it handled everyday tasks well. Today, it is obsolete but can still function as a basic home server or office machine if found cheaply.
Specifications
Performance
Quad cores handle office apps, but the low base clock limits responsiveness.
Can run basic VMs, but clock speeds are a limiting factor.
Low base clock and HD 2500 make it unsuitable for gaming.
Excellent performance-per-watt for a 2012 desktop chip.
- •Integrated graphics too weak
- •Low base clock limits frame rates
- •Needs a dedicated GPU for any real gaming
- •No AI hardware
- •Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-3570T is built on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22 nm tri-gate transistors. This was the first major architecture to use 3D transistors, drastically reducing power leakage and allowing for the strict 45 W TDP seen on this chip. The quad-core design lacks Hyper-Threading but retains the full 6 MB of L3 cache, providing solid multi-threaded capability for its power class. The integrated HD 2500 graphics are basic, featuring only 6 execution units, making them suitable for display output and video decoding rather than gaming. The processor supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s and includes 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. By heavily reducing the base clock to 2.3 GHz, Intel ensured the chip stays well within its 45 W limit under sustained loads, relying on turbo boost up to 3.3 GHz to provide bursts of speed when thermal headroom allows.
CPU Design
4 physical cores without Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600 controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- True quad-core vs Sandy Bridge's dual-core 'T' chip
- 22nm process for better efficiency
- PCIe 3.0 support
Key Highlights
- Very low 45W TDP
- True 4 physical cores
- Good for basic home servers
- Runs very cool
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- Obsolete DDR3 memory
- Weak HD 2500 graphics
- Locked multiplier
History
Introduced in 2012, the Core i5-3570T was Intel's answer to the growing demand for miniaturized desktop PCs. During the Ivy Bridge era, All-in-One systems and small form factor builds were gaining popularity, requiring components that could operate in thermally constrained environments without throttling. The 3570T fit this niche perfectly by offering a true quad-core experience at a mere 45 W.
This was a notable step up from the dual-core 'T' series of the Sandy Bridge generation. It allowed system builders to create compact PCs capable of handling more demanding office workloads and media tasks without relying on noisy fans. While it was eventually overshadowed by the power efficiency of Haswell and Broadwell, the 3570T remains a historically relevant chip, marking Intel's early focus on performance-per-watt in the mainstream desktop market.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- True quad-core vs Sandy Bridge's dual-core 'T' chip
- 22nm process for better efficiency
- PCIe 3.0 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Modern multitasking
- Gaming
- Need modern I/O
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It has a lower base clock than the i5-3570S and i5-3570.
The 'T' suffix designates a low-power consumer desktop chip.
Maximum Tcase is 70°C, higher than the standard 67°C of the 77W chips.
Includes 6MB of L3 cache despite the low TDP.
Uses the exact same die as the 77W i5-3570.
Supports Intel vPro technology.
Can be passively cooled with the right chassis.
Features Intel Secure Key and OS Guard.
Lacks AVX2 instructions.
Was popular in All-in-One desktop designs.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-3570T good for gaming?
No, the low clock speeds and HD 2500 graphics make it unsuitable for gaming.
What is the TDP of the i5-3570T?
It has a low 45 Watt TDP.
How many cores does the i5-3570T have?
It has 4 physical cores and 4 threads.
What socket does the i5-3570T use?
It uses the LGA 1155 socket.
Can I overclock the i5-3570T?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the base clock of the i5-3570T?
The base clock is 2.3 GHz.
Does the i5-3570T support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What generation is the i5-3570T?
It is a 3rd generation Ivy Bridge processor.
What is the max turbo of the i5-3570T?
It boosts up to 3.3 GHz.
Can the i5-3570T run Windows 11?
Not officially, it is not on the supported CPU list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 6 MB of L3 cache.
What memory speeds are supported?
It supports DDR3-1600.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it has 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
What is the max operating temperature?
Max Tcase is 70°C.
Is it unlocked?
No, it is locked.
Does it support Hyper-Threading?
No, 4 cores and 4 threads.
When was it released?
April 2012.
Does it support ECC memory?
No.
What is the architecture?
Ivy Bridge 22nm.
Does it have integrated graphics?
Yes, Intel HD 2500.