OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-3570K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£20PassMark multi-core score:4969N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:3.8 GHzCPU socket:LGA1155TDP (Thermal design power):77 W

Intel Core i5-3570K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-3570K
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

40%

4.4

Technical score

25%

8.0

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.9

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 52% of processors
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 65%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

60%

4.0

Performance

18%

4.0

Architecture

10%

4.4

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.2

Platform

1%

6.8

Integrated graphics

â–¼Worse than 74%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (18)
8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 72%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i5-3570k
  • intel-core-i5-3570k
intel-core-i5-3570k
intel-core-i5-3570k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-3570K

Based on 7 · 9

Strong gaming performance and easy overclocking win praise, while the weak integrated graphics draw the most complaints.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-3570K

Based on 183 owners sharing their experience in online comments

80%positive11%mixed9%negative

Owners praise its long-lasting gaming performance and easy overclocking, though its limited core count can cause stutters in newer games.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say CPU limits show in newer, demanding games with heavy CPU needs, and the four cores without hyper-threading can hold back high frame rates.19
  • Owners report stutters and poor 0.1% lows in open-world and multiplayer games, such as Battlefield 1 64-player matches, GTA 5 Online and Red Dead Redemption 2.12
  • Owners report the chip runs hot under heavy loads, with temperatures near 80 to 100 degrees on stress tests unless a strong liquid cooler is used.6
  • Owners report overclocks stalling around 4.5 to 4.8 GHz, with instability or failure to boot at higher clocks, often even with good cooling.6
  • Owners say pushing past about 4.5 GHz needs a large voltage increase, often 1.3 to 1.45 volts, which adds heat and is often not worth it.5
  • Owners say the chip feels dated for new gaming builds, with bottlenecks in newer CPU-heavy titles and performance well behind modern processors.5
  • Owners say many Z77 motherboards limit overclocking and make upgrades hard, and that finding a replacement board for these older systems can be difficult.5

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-3570K

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

60%

4.0

Performance

18%

4.0

Architecture

10%

4.4

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.2

Platform

1%

6.8

Integrated graphics

4.4
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1155
This processor uses the LGA1155 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 53.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 66.4% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
4
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 52.8% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
CPU threads
4
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 69% of processors and equal to 25.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
3.8 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 3.8 GHz which is lower than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
4x 3.4 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 4x3.4 GHz which is lower than that of 53.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
4,969
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 4,969 in PassMark, which is lower than 73.4% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
22 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 85% of processors and equal to that of 9.6% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 22 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.9% of processors and equal to that of 9.8% of processors.
L3 cache
6 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 62.3% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
L2 cache
1 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 68.3% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
L1 cache
256 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.1% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
This processor supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.7% of processors and equal to that of 13.3% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
1,600 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.7% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR3-1600 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 89.1% of processors and equal to 8.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
2,133 MHz
This processor supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is higher than that of 87.9% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 73% of processors and equal to 18.9% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
This processor uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 67.7% of processors and equal to that in 2.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
16
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
650 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 80.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 52.7% of processors and equal to 0.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
77 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 77 W which is higher than that of 85.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
77 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 77 W which is higher than that of 85.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
77 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 77 W which is higher than that of 54.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-3570K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 11.53x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (3,922.6 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    3,922.6 vs 340.075
  • 63.7% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (802 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    802 vs 490
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2.39x faster Blender rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (949.7 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    949.7 vs 398.015
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 19.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 72% of models

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 6.7
  • 5 °C higher temperature limit
    This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 19.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 72% of models

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 6.7
  • 37.5% higher sentiment score
    9.9 vs 7.2
  • 12.5x cheaper
    Intel Core i5-3570K is cheaper than the average processor (£20 vs £250).
    £20 vs £250
  • 11.53x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (3,922.6 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    3,922.6 vs 340.075
  • 63.7% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (802 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    802 vs 490
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2.39x faster Blender rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (949.7 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    949.7 vs 398.015
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    This processor has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    650 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • 5 °C higher temperature limit
    This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 55.2% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (688 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    688 vs 1,535
  • 56.7% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,969 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    4,969 vs 11,469
  • 60.6% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2052 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    2,052 vs 5,209
  • 83.3% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    22 nm vs 12 nm
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    4 vs 6
  • 13.6% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    3.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 8 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
    April 2012
    2012 vs 2020
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 55.2% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (688 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    688 vs 1,535
  • 56.7% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,969 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    4,969 vs 11,469
  • 60.6% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2052 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    2,052 vs 5,209
  • 13.6% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    3.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    4 vs 6
  • 20.1% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2045 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,045 vs 2,558
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 83.3% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    22 nm vs 12 nm
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
    Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake
  • 66.7% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1 MB vs 3 MB
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 18.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    256 KB vs 384 KB
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 33.3% smaller L3 cache
    This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    6 MB vs 9 MB
  • Less advanced foundry
    This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 50% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 45.4% lower memory bandwidth
    This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Older DDR support
    This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR3-1,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 50% less memory capacity
    This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 71.1% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    77 W vs 45 W
  • 71.1% higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (77 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    77 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    This processor has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 20.3% higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (77 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    77 W vs 64 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
Yesterday's Ram
≈ estimated
17/02/2025
Hands-on review · game benchmarks and multitasking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K is a dated quad core, fine for basic casual gaming, but not recommended; a newer CPU is the better choice.
6.0
RandomGaminginHD
≈ estimated
22/02/2023
Hands-on review · gaming tests in modern titles
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K is still playable in many games, but it's not a good choice for a new build today.
7.0
Repair Spectrum
≈ estimated
27/06/2022
Hands-on benchmarks · game tests in a 2022 build
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K still handles most games well, but the old GPU struggles with newer titles at 1080p.
7.0
G49 Gaming
≈ estimated
20/03/2022
Gaming benchmarks · RTX 2060 pairing and budget build
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K gives good numbers in most games for a budget build, though the CPU bottlenecks the RTX 2060.
7.0
The Gaming Assassin
≈ estimated
20/09/2021
Benchmark test · budget build in recent games
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K is still decent for modern games and good value if you already have an older LGA1155 system.
9.0
Armadyz
≈ estimated
09/10/2018
Benchmark video · game tests at 4.5 GHz overclock
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K was very capable in 2018, handling most games well, especially paired with a GTX 1060 or a weaker graphics card.
9.0
Nicolas11x12 English
✓ explicit
09/06/2012
Hands-on review · benchmarks, gaming and temperatures
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K is an excellent gaming processor that overclocks easily and is recommended, though its price-performance could be better.
5.0
Cheap Bastard
≈ estimated
28/07/2023
Comparison · game and synthetic benchmarks vs i5-6400
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K is roughly even with the i5-6400 in games, but noticeably less smooth, with frequent micro stutter and slow loading.
9.0
F2F Tech
≈ estimated
11/05/2019
Comparison · head-to-head with the FX 8350 in games and power
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K still holds up, since four cores with better IPC beat eight slower threads despite some losses in CPU scores.
8.0
TechEdgey231
≈ estimated
11/02/2013
Unboxing and first look · stock cooler and features
Verdict
Intel Core i5-3570K is a good quad-core chip, though the bundled stock cooler is weak.
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
23/04/2012
Lab test · Ivy Bridge quad-core
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K is much the same speed as the 2500K and 2550K, with lower power use and better built-in graphics, so there's little point upgrading from them.
10
guru3d.com
✓ explicit
08/02/2013
Overclocking test · Ivy Bridge quad-core
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K overclocks well to a stable 4700 MHz thanks to its unlocked multiplier, though it is barely faster than Sandy Bridge clock for clock.
8.0
gamestar.de
✓ explicit
04/05/2012
Hands-on test · Gaming quad-core
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K is a gaming-focused quad-core that matches Core i7 models in games at the same clock speed, but lacks Hyper-Threading for multimedia work.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
23/04/2012
Lab test · HD 4000 graphics
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K is a fast quad-core for everyday tasks and light gaming, but its HD 4000 graphics still need a dedicated card for most games.
7.0
clubic.com
≈ estimated
23/04/2012
Benchmark test · Ivy Bridge chips
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K is a clear step up from the Core i5-2500K in most tests, though AMD's FX 8150 edges it in video encoding.
9.5
madboxpc.com
≈ estimated
18/05/2012
Full review · Overclocking test
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K is a worthy successor to the Core i5-2500K, and its unlocked multiplier makes overclocking easy, though it trails the Core i7-2600K in some tests.
8.0
formobiles.info
≈ estimated
31/08/2012
Video summary · Daily use
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-3570K is a solid upper mid-range quad-core for daily use and light gaming, but its HD 4000 graphics still need a dedicated card for demanding games.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-3570K

  • Excellent single-core performance for its era, often surpassing i7-2600K when overclocked
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for significant and easy overclocking (commonly reaching 4.4 - 4.5 GHz)
  • Strong value for money as a used component, often found for under $15 in 2025
  • Capable of handling older titles (e.g., GTA 5, Bioshock Infinite) at 60+ FPS
  • Includes integrated graphics (Intel HD 4000), making it functional for basic desktop use without a GPU
  • More power-efficient than the preceding Sandy Bridge generation

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-3570K

  • Lacks hyper-threading, which leads to poor performance in modern multi-threaded games and high CPU utilization (100%)
  • Operating temperatures run high, especially when overclocked, requiring a high-quality aftermarket cooler
  • Struggles with modern AAA titles like Battlefield 1 and Fortnite, showing poor 1% low frame times
  • Older architecture (Ivy Bridge) can cause long loading times and stutters in recent games
  • Limited upgrade path due to the aging LGA 1155 socket, which is incompatible with modern RAM (DDR4/DDR5)
  • Integrated graphics are too weak for any serious modern gaming

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-3570K is a 3rd Generation Ivy Bridge quad-core processor featuring 4 cores, 4 threads, and a 6MB L3 cache, built on a 22nm manufacturing process. Operating at a base frequency of 3.4 GHz with a max turbo boost of 3.8 GHz, this LGA 1155 socket CPU is highly regarded for its unlocked multiplier, which allows for significant overclocking potential often reaching 4.5 GHz or higher with adequate cooling. Main advantages include its strong single-core performance for its era, relatively low 77W TDP for power efficiency, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. However, its primary drawbacks are the lack of Hyper-Threading, which limits multitasking capabilities compared to i7 models, and its age, as it now struggles with 100% CPU utilization in modern, highly threaded AAA games.

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