Core i7-2600S vs Core i5-3570S

The Core i7-2600S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-3570S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570S — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-2600S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3570S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600S scores 4,637 against the Core i5-3570S's 4,686 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-3570S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 630 vs 663, a 5.1% lead for the Core i5-3570S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3570S.

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 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,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S) and H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570S).

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600S) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3570S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-3570S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e; Core i5-3570S rivals A10-5800K.

The Core i7-2600S launched at $297 MSRP, while the Core i5-3570S debuted at $213. At current prices ($99 vs $59), the Core i5-3570S is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600S delivers 46.8 pts/$ vs 79.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3570S — making the Core i5-3570S the 51.6% better value option.