Core i5-3570S vs N250

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 N250 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 N250: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while N250 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike N250.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,686 vs 4,773).
❌Launch MSRP is still $213 MSRP, while N250 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on LGA1155, while N250 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

N250

2025

Why buy it

✅+1.9% higher PassMark.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1155 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌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 N250 better than Core i5-3570S?

Yes. N250 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, N250 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

N250 is still the much better call for a fresh build. N250 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3570S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (22.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

N250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2012), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-3570S vs N250 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.

N250

The N250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 4,773 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3570S and N250 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570S versus 3.8 GHz on the N250 — identical boost frequencies. The Core i5-3570S is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3570S scores 4,686 against the N250's 4,773 — a 1.8% lead for the N250. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3570S vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N250.

Feature	Core i5-3570S	N250
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	Intel 7 nm-68%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	4,686	4,773+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	663	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the N250 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3570S	N250
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3570S) / not specified (N250). The Core i5-3570S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the N250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570S rivals A10-5800K.