Intel Core i7-3770 vs Intel Core i5-3570

The Intel Core i7-3770 and Intel Core i5-3570 are desktop processors based on the Ivy Bridge S architecture, manufactured using Intel's 22 nm process.

Both were typically introduced in 2012 and support PCIe 3.0. The Intel Core i7-3770 was aimed at users with higher performance needs, while the Intel Core i5-3570 served the mainstream market. The Intel Core i7-3770 features 4 cores and 8 threads (Hyper-Threading) as well as 8 MB of Level 3 Cache.

Its integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 is more powerful. The Intel Core i5-3570 has 4 cores and 4 threads (without Hyper-Threading) with 6 MB of Level 3 Cache and Intel HD Graphics 2500. Both CPUs have a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s and a TDP of 77 Watts, implying comparable power consumption and cooling requirements.

In single-core performance, both processors are comparable for everyday tasks, with the Intel Core i7-3770 showing a slight advantage in specific benchmarks. In multi-core applications, the Intel Core i7-3770 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-3570 thanks to Hyper-Threading and a larger cache.

This leads to noticeably higher performance in demanding tasks such as video editing or multi-tasking. For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3770 usually delivers better performance due to the additional threads and larger L3 cache. On the used market, the Intel Core i7-3770 is generally a bit more expensive but offers clearly higher computing power.

The Intel Core i5-3570 represents good value for money for standard applications. For demanding multi-threaded applications and gaming, the Intel Core i7-3770 is the better choice. For standard use and budget systems, the Intel Core i5-3570 offers solid and cost-effective performance.