Intel Core i5-4570TE
Intel Core i5-4570TE: Review and Relevance in 2025
Haswell Architecture, Energy Efficiency, and Modest Ambitions
Key Characteristics: An Old-Timer with Low Appetite
The Intel Core i5-4570TE, released in 2013, is based on the Haswell microarchitecture (4th generation Core). This 22nm chip features two physical cores and supports Hyper-Threading (4 threads), which appears modest in 2025. Its key parameters include:
- L3 Cache: 4 MB (shared among cores);
- TDP: 35 W — ideal for compact and silent systems;
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 4600 with support for DirectX 11.1 and 4K output via DisplayPort;
- Performance: Geekbench 6 — 1060 (Single-Core), 2089 (Multi-Core).
Features: Energy efficiency, integrated GPU, support for virtualization technologies (VT-x, VT-d). However, the lack of AVX2 and limited cache makes it a weak link in modern work tasks.
Compatible Motherboards: Hunting for Rarities
The processor uses the LGA1150 socket, which has long been discontinued. Compatible chipsets include:
- H81, B85 — basic models supporting DDR3 and PCIe 2.0;
- H87, Q87, Z87 — enhanced capabilities (RAID, more SATA 6Gb/s ports).
Selection Tips:
- New boards are not being released; look for used options (price: $30–$60). Examples: ASUS H81M-K, Gigabyte B85M-D3H.
- Ensure the BIOS is updated to the latest version for compatibility with Haswell.
- Avoid boards with damaged capacitors — a common defect in older models.
Supported Memory: DDR3 and No Compromises
The i5-4570TE works only with DDR3 (1333/1600 MHz) in dual-channel mode. The maximum capacity is 32 GB (theoretically), but practically, motherboards from that time rarely support more than 16 GB.
Recommendations:
- For office tasks, 8 GB (2×4 GB) is sufficient.
- For multimedia projects, go for 16 GB (2×8 GB).
- Choose modules with low latency (CL9–CL11) for a slight performance increase.
Important: DDR4 and DDR5 are not supported — this is the main limitation for upgrades.
Power Supply: Even a "Laptop Charger" Will Do
With a TDP of 35 W, the processor puts minimal load on the system. Recommendations:
- Without a discrete graphics card: A power supply of 150–250 W (e.g., FSP Flex ATX 250W). Suitable for mini-PCs or HTPCs.
- With a graphics card: If you add a GPU (e.g., GTX 1650), a power supply of 350–450 W (Corsair CX450) will be needed.
Practical Example: A build based on i5-4570TE and GTX 1050 Ti with a 400 W PSU runs games from 2015–2020 smoothly.
Pros and Cons: Who It's For and Who It's Not
Pros:
- Low power consumption and heat generation;
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks;
- Availability on the second-hand market (CPU price: $40–$70).
Cons:
- Only 2 cores — multi-threaded applications can be "strangled";
- No support for NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6;
- Outdated platform — upgrades require a motherboard and memory change.
Usage Scenarios: From Office to Retro Gaming
1. Office Tasks: Word, Excel, and a browser with 10+ tabs — the processor handles it, but may lag when running Zoom and Photoshop simultaneously.
2. Multimedia: Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube 4K), music, light editing in Shotcut — HD 4600 can decode H.264, but H.265 can create stress.
3. Gaming:
- Dota 2, CS:GO — 50–60 FPS on medium settings (720p);
- GTA V — 30–40 FPS on low settings (with GTX 1050);
- Modern AAA titles (2023+) — not recommended.
4. Home Server: Thanks to VT-d, it is suitable for Proxmox or NAS, but limited to 16 GB RAM.
Comparison with Competitors: How to Survive Among Giants
- AMD A10-7850K (2014): Comparable TDP (65 W) but weaker in single-core performance (Geekbench 6 ~900). Plus — more powerful Radeon R7 graphics.
- Intel Core i3-10100T (2020): 4 cores/8 threads, DDR4, Geekbench 6 ~1400/3800. New price — $120.
- Ryzen 3 4300GE (2021): 4 cores, TDP 35 W, Vega 6 — a clear favorite for budget builds in 2025.
Conclusion: The i5-4570TE falls short compared to modern counterparts but wins in second-hand price.
Practical Building Tips
1. Case: Choose compact solutions — Fractal Design Node 202 or mini-ITX cases.
2. Cooling: Even a stock cooler will do, but for silence, consider the Noctua NH-L9i.
3. Storage: An SSD (SATA III) is a must — Kingston A400 240 GB ($25).
4. Networking: Add a PCIe Wi-Fi 5 adapter (e.g., TP-Link Archer TX50E).
Pitfall to Avoid: Trying to install an RTX 3050 — the processor will become a "bottleneck."
Final Conclusion: Who Is This Processor For?
The Intel Core i5-4570TE in 2025 is suitable for:
- Budget Build Enthusiasts: If you want to assemble a PC for $150–200.
- HTPC Owners: For 4K video and streaming.
- Offices: Basic office applications and cloud services.
- Retro Gamers: Nostalgia for games from the 2010s.
Why You Shouldn't Buy It: If you need AI work, rendering, or modern gaming — even the Ryzen 3 4300GE would perform better.
Conclusion: The i5-4570TE serves as an example of a “workhorse” that has outlived its prime. It may not impress in terms of performance, but it offers a balance of price and energy efficiency for niche tasks. In the era of DDR5 and 5nm processes, such a processor is more of an artifact than a tool, but it still has its audience.