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 i5-3570S vs Core i7-3612QM 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 i5-3570S vs Core i7-3612QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3570S

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $165 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 78.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.0 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3612QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i7-3612QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,661 vs 4,686).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 22.0 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570S better than Core i7-3612QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3612QM is ahead with a 12.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3570S pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3570S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3570S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3570S comes in $165 cheaper on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3612QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 12.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 78.4% better value on MSRP (22.0 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3612QM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-3570S vs Core i7-3612QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3570S

The Core i5-3570S 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 3.1 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,686 points. Launch price was $285.

Core i7-3612QM

The Core i7-3612QM 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,661 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3570S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570S versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM — a 20.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3570S scores 4,686 against the Core i7-3612QM's 4,661 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3570S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 663 vs 600, a 10% lead for the Core i5-3570S that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3570S	Core i7-3612QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+23%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+48%	2.1 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	4,686	4,661
Geekbench 6 Single	663+11%	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QM uses FCBGA1224 (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: H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570S) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3612QM).

Feature	Core i5-3570S	Core i7-3612QM
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1224
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

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3570S) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570S targets Legacy Desktop, Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570S rivals A10-5800K; Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-3570S	Core i7-3612QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570S was priced at $213, while the Core i7-3612QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($213 vs $378), Core i5-3570S was $165 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570S delivers 22.0 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QM — making the Core i5-3570S the 56.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3570S	Core i7-3612QM
MSRP	$213-44%	$378
Performance per Dollar	22.0+79%	12.3
Release Date	2012	2012

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