Quick Verdict
An efficient and cool-running chip for its time, but severely outdated by modern dual-core standards.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
4th Generation (Haswell)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-4570T is a low-power desktop processor launched in June 2013 as part of the Haswell generation. Built on a 22 nm manufacturing process, it features a dual-core design with Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process four threads simultaneously. With a base clock of 2.9 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.6 GHz, it delivers snappy single-threaded performance suitable for everyday computing tasks. What sets the 4570T apart is its 35 W TDP, significantly lower than the standard 84 W of typical Haswell desktop chips. This makes it ideal for small form factor (SFF) PCs, home theater PCs (HTPCs), and All-in-One systems where thermal constraints and noise levels are critical. It includes 4 MB of L3 cache and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600. While not designed for heavy workloads, it provides a reliable, cool, and quiet computing experience for mainstream users.
Released in 2013, the Intel Core i5-4570T offered a compelling mix of single-threaded speed and low power consumption for small form factor builds. With 2 cores, 4 threads, and boost clocks up to 3.6 GHz, it handled everyday desktop tasks effortlessly.
Its 35W TDP allowed for near-silent operation. Today, it is obsolete but can still serve basic office or media center duties.
Specifications
Performance
Good single-core speed helps office apps, but dual-core limits heavy multitasking.
Limited core count makes running VMs sluggish.
HD 4600 graphics are insufficient for anything beyond very old or 2D games.
Excellent efficiency for a desktop chip, running very cool.
- •Intel HD 4600 is too weak for modern gaming
- •Can handle retro or 2D indie games
- •Shares system memory
- •No AI hardware
- •Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Based on the Haswell microarchitecture, the Core i5-4570T benefits from Intel's 22 nm tri-gate transistors. Haswell introduced the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator (FIVR), which moved voltage regulation from the motherboard directly onto the CPU die, simplifying motherboard design and improving power delivery precision. The architecture brought modest IPC gains over Ivy Bridge, generally around 5 to 10 percent. The dual-core configuration with Hyper-Threading provides adequate parallelism for multitasking, though it lacks the raw multi-threaded punch of true quad-core counterparts. The integrated HD 4600 graphics feature 20 execution units and support for DirectX 11.1, offering basic 4K video playback and very light gaming capabilities. The processor utilizes the LGA 1150 socket and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The combination of FIVR and a strict 35 W TDP allows system builders to use passive cooling solutions or very small fans, making it highly versatile for compact environments.
CPU Design
Dual-core with Hyper-Threading (4 threads).
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600 controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for standard expansion.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; cannot be overclocked.
- Introduction of FIVR
- Improved HD 4600 graphics
- Better IPC over Ivy Bridge
Key Highlights
- Very low 35W TDP for a desktop chip
- High turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- Uses socketed LGA 1150
- Runs very cool and quiet
- Only 2 physical cores
- Obsolete DDR3 memory support
- Weak integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
History
The Core i5-4570T launched in mid-2013 alongside the rest of the Haswell desktop family. Intel's strategy with the 'T' series was to offer low-power alternatives for the growing small form factor and All-in-One markets. During this era, PC miniaturization was a major trend, with manufacturers looking to build sleeker, quieter desktops that didn't sacrifice too much performance.
The 4570T served as a middle ground, offering higher clocks than the ultra-low power 'S' and 'T' variants of previous generations. It found its way into various business desktops and compact consumer PCs. The Haswell architecture was critically acclaimed for its solid performance and power efficiency, though the use of thermal paste under the integrated heat spreader (IHS) drew criticism from enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, the 4570T fulfilled its role perfectly, providing OEMs with a reliable, low-heat option for space-constrained designs during a time when the desktop market was evolving rapidly.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Introduction of FIVR
- Improved HD 4600 graphics
- Better IPC over Ivy Bridge
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Building a new system
- Modern multitasking
- Gaming
- Need DDR4/DDR5 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It has exactly half the TDP of the standard i5-4570.
The 'T' suffix designates low power for desktop chips.
It uses the Haswell-DT die, not the mobile die.
Includes TSX (Transactional Synchronization Extensions).
Supports Intel vPro technology for enterprise management.
FIVR integration reduced motherboard component costs.
It can be paired with Z87 or Z97 motherboards despite being locked.
The HD 4600 was a significant upgrade over HD 4000.
Maximum memory supported is 32GB.
It was popular in AIO desktops from 2013-2014.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-4570T good for gaming?
No, the dual-core design and HD 4600 graphics are too weak for modern games.
What socket does the i5-4570T use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1150 socket.
What is the TDP of the i5-4570T?
It has a low 35 Watt TDP.
Can I overclock the i5-4570T?
No, the multiplier is locked.
Does the i5-4570T support DDR4?
No, it only supports DDR3 memory.
How many cores does the i5-4570T have?
It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What generation is the i5-4570T?
It is a 4th generation Intel Core processor.
What is the max turbo of the i5-4570T?
It boosts up to 3.6 GHz.
Does the i5-4570T have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD 4600 graphics.
Can the i5-4570T run Windows 11?
Not officially, as it is not on the supported CPU list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i5-4570T?
The base clock is 2.9 GHz.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 4 MB of L3 cache.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it offers 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
What memory speeds are supported?
It supports DDR3-1600 memory.
What is the maximum operating temperature?
The maximum Tcase is 72°C.
Is the i5-4570T unlocked?
No, it is locked.
Does it support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, 2 cores with 4 threads.
When was the i5-4570T released?
It was released in June 2013.
What is the architecture of the i5-4570T?
It uses the Haswell architecture on a 22nm node.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC.