Core i5-4570R vs Core i7-2600S

Intel

Core i5-4570R

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2600S

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i5-4570R vs Core i7-2600S 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 i5-4570R vs Core i7-2600S 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 i5-4570R vs Core i7-2600S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4570R

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $47 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
  • Delivers 17.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.3 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,578 vs 4,637).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600S.

Core i7-2600S

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4570R.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.6 vs 18.3 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600S better than Core i5-4570R?
Yes. Core i7-2600S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2600S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.1% 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 i7-2600S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2600S is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-2600S comes in 18.8% more expensive on MSRP at $297 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4570R only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 8.1% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4570R makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4570R vs Core i7-2600S Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-4570R

The Core i5-4570R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,578 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i7-2600S

The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4570R packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4570R versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-4570R uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4570R scores 4,578 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-2600S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 955 vs 630, a 41% lead for the Core i5-4570R that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-4570R vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.

FeatureCore i5-4570RCore i7-2600S
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.8 GHz+19%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
8192 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
4,578
4,637+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
955+52%
630
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4570R uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4570R versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S — the Core i5-4570R supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B85,Q87,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4570R) and H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S).

FeatureCore i5-4570RCore i7-2600S
Socket
BGA1364
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics Iris Pro Graphics 5200 (Core i5-4570R) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4570R targets Small Form Factor Desktop, Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4570R rivals A10-7850K; Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.

FeatureCore i5-4570RCore i7-2600S
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Pro Graphics 5200
HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Small Form Factor Desktop
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4570R was priced at $250, while the Core i7-2600S came in at $297. On launch pricing ($250 vs $297), Core i5-4570R was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4570R delivers 18.3 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i5-4570R the 15.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-4570RCore i7-2600S
MSRP
$250-16%
$297
Performance per Dollar
18.3+17%
15.6
Release Date
2013
2011

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