Core i5-3570K vs Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)

Core i5-3570K vs Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3570K

4 / 4

4,971

+0.1%

Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)

6 / 6

4,965

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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 Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) 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 Phenom II X6 1055T (95W): 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: +13.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 77W instead of 95W, a 18W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Phenom II X6 1055T (95W).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3570K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,965 vs 4,971).
❌23.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 77W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3570K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570K better than Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)?

Yes. Core i5-3570K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 13.1% 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 0.1% 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 the better buy right now. Core i5-3570K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3570K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/6. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3570K vs Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) Technical Specifications

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

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.

Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)

The Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,965 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3570K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 3.3 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) uses Thuban (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)'s 4,965 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3570K. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+15%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+21%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Thuban (2010)
PassMark	4,971	4,965
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)
Socket	LGA1155	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K) / not specified (Phenom II X6 1055T (95W)). The Core i5-3570K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X6 1055T (95W) requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.