Core i5-3570S vs FX-6350

Intel

Core i5-3570S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-6350

6 Cores6 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-3570S vs FX-6350 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 i5-3570S vs FX-6350 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 FX-6350: 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

  • +1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while FX-6350 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike FX-6350.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-6350 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.0 vs 35.2 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).

FX-6350

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $81 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
  • Delivers 59.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.2 vs 22.0 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,640 vs 4,686).
  • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3570S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570S.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6350 better than Core i5-3570S?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-6350 is ahead with a 10.0% 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 1% 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 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-6350 is the better buy right now. FX-6350 comes in $81 cheaper on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3570S is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 59.8% better value on MSRP (35.2 vs 22.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-6350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3570S vs FX-6350 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-6350

The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i5-3570S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570S versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 10% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-3570S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570S scores 4,686 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-3570S.

FeatureCore i5-3570SFX-6350
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.2 GHz+11%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.9 GHz+26%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
6144 kB+2300%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
4,686
4,640
Geekbench 6 Single
663
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3570SFX-6350
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, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3570S) / not specified (FX-6350). The Core i5-3570S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the FX-6350 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570S rivals A10-5800K.

FeatureCore i5-3570SFX-6350
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570S was priced at $213, while the FX-6350 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($213 vs $132), FX-6350 was $81 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570S delivers 22.0 pts/$ vs 35.2 pts/$ for the FX-6350 — making the FX-6350 the 46% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3570SFX-6350
MSRP
$213
$132-38%
Performance per Dollar
22.0
35.2+60%
Release Date
2012
2013

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