Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-4570S

Intel

Core i5-3570K

4 Cores4 Thrd77 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4570S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-4570S 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 i5-4570S 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 i5-4570S: 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: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4570S.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,971 vs 5,016).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.1 vs 25.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $195 MSRP).
  • 18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.

Core i5-4570S

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $30 less on MSRP ($195 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 16.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.7 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($195 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3570K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4570S better than Core i5-3570K?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3570K is ahead with a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4570S pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4570S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-4570S is the better buy right now. Core i5-4570S comes in $30 cheaper on MSRP at $195 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-3570K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 16.4% better value on MSRP (25.7 vs 22.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4570S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and 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 i5-3570K vs Core i5-4570S 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 i5-4570S

The Core i5-4570S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,016 points. Launch price was $410.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3570K and Core i5-4570S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-4570S — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4570S uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Core i5-4570S's 5,016 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-4570S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3570K vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4570S.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4570S
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+6%
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+17%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
6144 kB (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
5,016
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4570S 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.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4570S
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 i5-4570S). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3570K) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4570S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop, Core i5-4570S targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4570S
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Legacy Gaming Desktop
Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570K was priced at $225, while the Core i5-4570S came in at $195. On launch pricing ($225 vs $195), Core i5-4570S was $30 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570K delivers 22.1 pts/$ vs 25.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-4570S — making the Core i5-4570S the 15.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3570KCore i5-4570S
MSRP
$225
$195-13%
Performance per Dollar
22.1
25.7+16%
Release Date
2012
2013

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