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Intel Core i5-4570S: A Comprehensive Review of an Outdated Yet Relevant Budget PC Solution (2025)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