Core i5-3570 vs Core i5-3570K

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-3570 vs Core i5-3570K FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-3570 vs Core i5-3570K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-3570

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $31 less on MSRP ($194 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.4 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($194 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3570K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,932 vs 4,971).

Core i5-3570K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.1 vs 25.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $194 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570K better than Core i5-3570?

Yes. Core i5-3570K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3570K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3570K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-3570K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3570K comes in 16.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $194 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3570 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 15.1% better value on paper (25.4 vs 22.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-3570K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3570 vs Core i5-3570K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-3570

The Core i5-3570 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,932 points. Launch price was $231.

Core i5-3570K

The Core i5-3570K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,971 points. Launch price was $235.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3570 and Core i5-3570K share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3570 scores 4,932 against the Core i5-3570K's 4,971 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-3570K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 741 vs 1,000, a 29.8% lead for the Core i5-3570K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3570	Core i5-3570K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,932	4,971
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,780	—
Geekbench 6 Single	741	1,000+35%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,246	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,Z77,H77,Q77 (Core i5-3570) and Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570K).

Feature	Core i5-3570	Core i5-3570K
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-3570K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3570) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K). Both include integrated graphics — HD 2500 (Core i5-3570) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3570K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570 targets Budget, Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570 rivals Ryzen 3 1200; Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-3570	Core i5-3570K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD 2500	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Gaming Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570 was priced at $194, while the Core i5-3570K came in at $225. On launch pricing ($194 vs $225), Core i5-3570 was $31 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570 delivers 25.4 pts/$ vs 22.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-3570K — making the Core i5-3570 the 14% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3570	Core i5-3570K
MSRP	$194-14%	$225
Performance per Dollar	25.4+15%	22.1
Release Date	2012	2012

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