Intel Core i5-4570S

Intel Core i5-4570S: A Comprehensive Review of an Outdated Yet Relevant Budget PC Solution (2025)

Haswell Architecture in the Age of AI and Quantum Computing — Is It Worth It?

1. Key Specifications: The "Heart" of a Budget System

The Intel Core i5-4570S processor, released in 2013, is still found on the secondary market and in office builds. Let’s examine its key parameters:

- Architecture: Haswell (4th generation Intel Core).

- Manufacturing Process: 22nm — a breakthrough for 2013, but today even budget chips are produced on 7-10nm processes.

- Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads — the lack of Hyper-Threading limits multitasking capabilities.

- Base Frequency: 2.9 GHz, maximum in turbo mode — 3.6 GHz.

- Cache: L3 — 6 MB (sufficient for basic tasks, but inadequate for modern gaming).

- TDP: 65W — low power consumption for a desktop CPU.

- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 4600 — supports 4K@60Hz via DisplayPort, but is weak for gaming (example: CS:GO on low settings — 40-50 FPS).

Key Features:

- Support for AVX2 instructions, enhancing performance in specific tasks (e.g., video encoding).

- Energy-saving technologies: Enhanced SpeedStep, Thermal Monitoring.

- Compatibility with Windows 10/11 (with limitations) and Linux.

2. Compatible Motherboards: Hunting for Relics

The processor uses the LGA1150 socket, which has long been discontinued. Current chipsets include:

- H81/B85: Budget boards with basic features (e.g., ASUS H81M-K). Supports up to 16 GB DDR3, SATA III, USB 3.0.

- H87/Z87: Advanced options with overclocking capability (only for “K” series processors). For instance, MSI Z87-G43.

Selection Considerations in 2025:

- New boards are not produced — look for remnants in warehouses or refurbished options (price: $50–80).

- Check the condition of VRM modules — older boards often suffer from bulging capacitors.

- Important: PCIe 3.0 x16 is supported, but this will become a "bottleneck" for modern graphics cards (e.g., RTX 4060).

3. Memory: DDR3 as a Historical Artifact

The i5-4570S only works with DDR3 (up to 1600 MHz). Supported configurations:

- Dual-channel mode — use two identical sticks for +15% performance.

- Maximum capacity: 32 GB (but motherboards rarely support more than 16 GB).

Issues in 2025:

- DDR3 has become obsolete: new applications are optimized for DDR4/DDR5.

- Price: 8 GB DDR3 — $25–30 (new modules, e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury).

4. Power Supply: Saving Without Extremes

With a TDP of 65W and no discrete graphics card, a 300–400W PSU will suffice (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $45).

Recommendations for Builds with a Graphics Card:

- For RTX 3050 or RX 6600 — a PSU of 500–550W (Corsair CX550M, $60).

- Avoid cheap noname power supplies — stability is more important than saving $10–20.

5. Pros and Cons: Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?

Pros:

- Low power consumption — ideal for a 24/7 PC (e.g., media server).

- Affordable price — new (if you can find it) — $60–80.

- Reliability — many units are still operational after 10 years of use.

Cons:

- No support for DDR4, PCIe 4.0, NVMe (only through adapters).

- Weak multi-threaded performance — lags behind even budget Ryzen 3 5300G (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 2458 vs 6800).

- Limited upgrades — the most you can add is an SSD and a GTX 1660 level graphics card.

6. Use Cases: Where Is the i5-4570S Still Relevant?

- Office Tasks: Word, Excel, browser with 10+ tabs — the processor can handle it, but 4 GB of RAM will be insufficient.

- Multimedia: Watching 4K video (hardware decoding through HD 4600), music streaming.

- Casual Gaming: Dota 2, GTA V (on medium settings, 1080p), indie projects.

- Hobby Projects: Retro gaming, DIY builds for learning.

Real Example: A user in Brazil built a PC using the i5-4570S and GTX 1650 to play Fortnite (720p, 60 FPS), spending $200.

7. Comparison with Competitors: Battle of Generations

- Intel Core i3-10100F (2020): 4 cores/8 threads, Geekbench 6 Multi-Core — 4800. Price for a new unit — $90. Conclusion: the i3-10100F is 50% more powerful.

- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (2019): 4 cores/4 threads, Vega 8, supports DDR4. Best choice for upgrades.

- Intel Core i5-4570S vs. Apple M1: Comparison is not valid, but the M1 is 3-4 times faster in multi-threaded tasks.

8. Assembly Tips: How Not to Mess Up?

- SSD is a Must: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will eliminate system "lags."

- RAM — at least 8 GB: 2x4 GB DDR3 is optimal.

- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation consider the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).

- Check BIOS: Update it for compatibility with Windows 11 (unofficial patches available).

9. Conclusion: Who Is the i5-4570S Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is a choice for:

- Enthusiasts on a Budget: Building a PC for $150–200 for basic tasks.

- Owners of Old Systems: Upgrade without replacing the motherboard.

- Retro Tech Enthusiasts: Nostalgic projects.

Alternative: If you need a new PC — consider the Intel N100 platform ($150) or a used Ryzen 5 3600 ($80).

Conclusion: The Intel Core i5-4570S in 2025 is not for everyone. But for specific tasks, it remains a viable tool, reminding us that even outdated hardware can still be useful.