Intel Core i5-4570 vs Intel Core i5-4590

The Intel Core i5-4570 is a desktop processor from Intel's 4th generation, based on the Haswell S architecture, manufactured using a 22 nm process.

It was designed for mainstream desktop systems and targets users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks, office applications, and light multimedia applications. This processor features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, without Hyper-Threading. It offers 6 MB of Level 3 cache and 0 MB of Level 2 cache, supports PCIe 3.0, and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s.

The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 4600. The Intel Core i5-4590 is also a 4th generation desktop processor from Intel Core i5 CPUs, manufactured on the same Haswell S architecture and 22 nm process.

It targets the mainstream desktop market and provides a solid basis for everyday computing tasks, productivity, and multimedia consumption. This processor also has 4 physical cores and 4 threads, 6 MB of Level 3 cache, and 0 MB of Level 2 cache. It also supports PCIe 3.0, achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s, and integrates the Intel HD Graphics 4600.

In terms of single-core performance, both processors show very similar results, with a slight advantage for the Intel Core i5-4590 due to its slightly higher clock frequency. These marginal differences are barely noticeable in daily use. Multi-core performance is similar, with the Intel Core i5-4590 achieving noticeably better performance in certain modern multi-core tests, going beyond slight differences.

However, for most standard applications, the difference is small. In gaming scenarios, both processors offer comparable performance. The slight clock frequency increase of the Intel Core i5-4590 leads to a minimal advantage in games, which in practice often only amounts to a few frames per second and is therefore hardly noticeable.

For a smooth gaming experience, the graphics card and game optimization are more crucial for both models. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 is not suitable for demanding gaming. Regarding power consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP), the Intel Core i5-4570 and Intel Core i5-4590 are almost identical.

Their efficient Haswell architecture in the 22 nm manufacturing process ensures moderate energy requirements, which is typical for their performance class. Any slight deviations in power consumption are due to the minimally higher clock frequency of the Intel Core i5-4590 but have no significant impact on overall costs or cooling requirements.

Since both processors have been on the market for quite some time, they are hardly available new anymore. On the used market, prices for the Intel Core i5-4570 and Intel Core i5-4590 are very similar and relatively low. The slightly higher performance of the Intel Core i5-4590 often does not justify a significant price premium, meaning both offer good value for money for older systems or budget builds.

The Intel Core i5-4570 is a solid processor for everyday tasks, offering a balanced ratio of performance and efficiency for standard desktop applications. The Intel Core i5-4590 delivers a marginally higher clock frequency, which becomes noticeable in some specific multi-core applications. However, for most use cases, the difference is small.

If both are available at a similar price, the Intel Core i5-4590 is the slightly better choice due to its slightly higher clock rates. If the price difference is noticeable, the Intel Core i5-4570 offers a nearly identical user experience at potentially lower costs. Both are excellent options for building or upgrading an older office or multimedia PC.