Core i5-3570S vs Core i5-6500T

Both the Core i5-3570S and Core i5-6500T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570S versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-6500T — a 20.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-3570S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6500T uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570S scores 4,686 against the Core i5-6500T's 4,764 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-6500T. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

The Core i5-3570S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6500T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3570S versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6500T — the Core i5-6500T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6500T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3570S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6500T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3570S) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6500T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570S targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-6500T targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570S rivals A10-5800K.

The Core i5-3570S launched at $213 MSRP, while the Core i5-6500T debuted at $117. At current prices ($59 vs $35), the Core i5-6500T is $24 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570S delivers 79.4 pts/$ vs 136.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-6500T — making the Core i5-6500T the 52.6% better value option.