Quick Verdict
A great efficiency-focused CPU for its time, still viable for basic legacy systems but not for modern workloads.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
Core i5 (Haswell)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-4570S is a quad-core desktop processor introduced in June 2013 as part of the Haswell generation. Designed with a 65-watt TDP, the 'S' suffix indicates its focus on power efficiency without sacrificing too much performance. Operating at a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and boosting up to 3.6 GHz, it provided a balanced approach for both everyday tasks and moderate workloads. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it packs 1.4 billion transistors into a 177 mm² die. This processor was a favorite for small form factor builds and home theater PCs (HTPCs) where heat dissipation was a priority. It features Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics, capable of handling 4K video playback and older games at low settings. With 6MB of L3 cache, it delivered snappy application responsiveness. While obsolete by today's standards, it was a highly regarded efficiency chip during its prime.
The Intel Core i5-4570S balances performance and power with a 2.9 GHz base and 3.6 GHz turbo.
It includes Intel HD 4600 graphics and 6MB of cache, serving well in HTPCs and office rigs, though it's outdated now.
Specifications
Performance
Snappy for basic tasks, 6MB cache helps responsiveness.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 threads.
Handles older games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its generation.
- •Needs a dedicated GPU for 3D gaming
- •Suitable for e-sports titles from the 2010s
- •Will bottleneck any GPU newer than a GTX 1060
- •Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- •Not suitable for AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built upon the Haswell microarchitecture, the Core i5-4570S utilizes Intel's 22nm FinFET manufacturing process. Haswell brought substantial improvements to power management, allowing the 4570S to maintain a low 65W TDP while still hitting 3.6 GHz under turbo. The architecture redesigned the voltage regulator module, moving it onto the CPU die itself (FIVR), which simplified motherboard design but concentrated heat. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s. The four cores share 6MB of L3 cache, reducing latency for multi-threaded applications. Haswell also introduced AVX2 and FMA3 instruction sets, significantly enhancing floating-point throughput for compatible software. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics feature 20 execution units, a step up from previous generations, offering better hardware video decoding. The processor communicates with the motherboard via the DMI 2.0 bus, providing 2GB/s of bandwidth to the chipset. Overall, it was an evolutionary step prioritizing efficiency and integration.
CPU Design
4 cores, 4 threads, no Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for discrete graphics.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; limited base clock tweaking.
- Better integrated graphics
- Improved power management with FIVR
- Added AVX2 support
Key Highlights
- Low 65W TDP ideal for SFF builds
- Strong single-core performance for its era
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- 6MB L3 cache improves multitasking
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
- No official Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Lacks modern I/O like USB 3.1 Gen 2
History
Released in June 2013, the Core i5-4570S launched alongside the inaugural Haswell lineup to replace Ivy Bridge. Intel targeted this chip specifically at OEMs and system integrators building compact desktops and all-in-ones. During a period when AMD's FX series struggled with efficiency, the 4570S offered a compelling blend of quad-core performance and low power consumption.
It became a staple in many corporate environments and living room PCs. As the market shifted towards higher core counts, the 4570S remained a reliable workhorse for budget builds. In the used market, it gained popularity as a drop-in upgrade for users with lower-end Pentium or i3 LGA 1150 systems.
Its legacy is tied to the Haswell era's reputation for robust IPC gains and excellent thermal characteristics. Today, it serves as a nostalgic benchmark for how far mid-range efficiency has evolved over the past decade.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Better integrated graphics
- Improved power management with FIVR
- Added AVX2 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Drop-in upgrade for older LGA 1150 office PCs.
Avoid if…
- Building a new system
- Needing modern gaming performance
- Requiring NVMe boot support natively
- Wanting Windows 11 compatibility
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The Core i5-4570S features a Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator (FIVR) on the CPU die.
It was part of the first wave of Haswell processors to use the LGA 1150 socket.
The processor has a maximum case temperature (Tcase) of 72°C.
It natively supports DDR3-1600 memory speeds.
The 4570S includes 20 execution units in its HD 4600 graphics.
It supports Intel AES New Instructions for faster encryption.
The die area is exactly 177 mm².
It was originally priced lower than the standard 84W i5-4570.
The package type is FC-LGA12C.
It introduced support for TSX (Transactional Synchronization Extensions).
People Also Ask
Is the i5-4570S good for gaming?
It can handle older or lightweight games, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially, no. It requires workarounds.
What is the difference between i5-4570 and i5-4570S?
The 4570 has a higher base clock and 84W TDP; the 4570S is 65W.
Does the i5-4570S have a stock cooler?
Yes, it typically ships with a stock Intel cooler.
Can I watch 4K videos on the i5-4570S?
Yes, the HD 4600 can decode 4K video, though CPU load might be high.
What is the maximum RAM supported?
It depends on the motherboard, but typically 32GB.
Is the i5-4570S good for streaming?
No, it lacks the core count for modern streaming.
Does it support VT-d?
Yes, it supports Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O.
What is the maximum turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 3.6 GHz.
Can I use an NVMe SSD with it?
Booting from NVMe is usually not supported natively on older chipsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'S' mean in i5-4570S?
It indicates a lower power variant with a 65W TDP.
Does the Core i5-4570S support hyper-threading?
No, it features 4 cores and 4 threads.
Can I overclock the i5-4570S?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the base and boost clock?
It has a base clock of 2.9 GHz and a boost clock of 3.6 GHz.
What integrated graphics are included?
It includes Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics.
What socket is required for the i5-4570S?
It requires the LGA 1150 socket.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 6 MB of L3 cache.
What memory type does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 3.0.
When was the Core i5-4570S released?
It was released in June 2013.