Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-4460

Intel

Core i5-3570K

4 Cores4 Thrd77 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4460

4 Cores4 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-4460 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-3570K vs Core i5-4460 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 i5-3570K vs Core i5-4460: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3570K

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 77W instead of 84W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.1 vs 27.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Core i5-4460

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $43 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 22.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.0 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3570K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,915 vs 4,971).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570K better than Core i5-4460?
Yes. Core i5-3570K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, 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 4.5% 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 1.1% 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 23.6% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4460 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 22.2% better value on paper (27.0 vs 22.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4460 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-4460 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-4460

The Core i5-4460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,915 points. Launch price was $182.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3570K and Core i5-4460 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4460 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4460 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Core i5-4460's 4,915 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-3570K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,000 vs 1,104, a 9.9% lead for the Core i5-4460 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4460
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+12%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+6%
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
4,971+1%
4,915
Cinebench R23 Multi
512
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000
1,104+10%
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,901
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4460 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. 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: Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570K) and H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4460).

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4460
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1150
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, EPT (Core i5-3570K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4460). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3570K) and HD 4600 (Core i5-4460) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop, Core i5-4460 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350; Core i5-4460 rivals Core i5-4440.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4460
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
HD 4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Legacy Gaming Desktop
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570K was priced at $225, while the Core i5-4460 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($225 vs $182), Core i5-4460 was $43 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570K delivers 22.1 pts/$ vs 27.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-4460 — making the Core i5-4460 the 20% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4460
MSRP
$225
$182-19%
Performance per Dollar
22.1
27.0+22%
Release Date
2012
2014

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