AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 vs Intel Core i5-3570S Comparison

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-3570S is the faster processor in every single head-to-head test, with a consistent performance margin of roughly 19% across both single-core and multi-core workloads. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312, while newer and far more power-efficient, trails in every measured metric, positioning it as a specialized embedded part rather than a general-purpose performance contender.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-3570S wins all five shared benchmark comparisons, and the margins are remarkably uniform. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Intel scores 402 against the AMD's 338, a lead of 18.9%. That same 18.9% advantage appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where Intel posts 1676 versus 1410. The pattern holds in Cinebench R23 multi-core: Intel scores 3991, AMD scores 3359, a difference of 18.8%.

Single-core results tell the same story. In Cinebench R20 single-core, Intel leads 236 to 199, a 18.6% gap. Cinebench R23 single-core sees Intel at 563 and AMD at 474, again an 18.8% margin. The consistency of these deltas — all between 18.6% and 18.9% — suggests the performance gap is structural rather than workload-specific. Intel's advantage is not tied to a particular benchmark type; it is a broad, across-the-board superiority.

It is importantly the AMD part has no benchmark wins at all. The head-to-head tally is 5-0 in Intel's favor. Even in tests where the AMD's newer architecture might be expected to help, such as single-threaded Cinebench R23, the Intel part maintains its edge. The Ryzen Embedded R2312's higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz versus Intel's 3.80 GHz partially explains the single-core deficit, but it does not account for the multi-core gap, where Intel's 4 physical cores outnumber AMD's 2.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this. The Intel i5-3570S averages 1169 across its benchmark suite, placing it at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs. The AMD R2312 averages 1156, also at the 33rd percentile. While both sit at the same percentile, the raw difference of 13 points is small — but that average masks the consistent 19% deficit in every shared test. The Intel part's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-2960XM (deltaPct 0) and the AMD Opteron 6220 (deltaPct 0.1), while the AMD's closest competitor is the AMD Opteron 4334 (deltaPct 0.1). Neither chip is a performance leader, but Intel is definitively ahead in this pairing.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different eras and design philosophies. The Intel Core i5-3570S uses the Ivy Bridge architecture on a 22 nm process node, manufactured by Intel. It has 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. Its cache layout is 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and a shared 6 MB L3 cache. The die size is 133 mm².

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 is built on the Zen+ architecture, codenamed Picasso, using a 12 nm process from GlobalFoundries. It has 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. The cache configuration is larger per core — 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 — but the shared L3 is smaller at 4 MB. The die size is 210 mm², and the chip contains 4,940 million transistors.

Memory support differs markedly. The Intel part uses DDR3 with a dual-channel memory bus and no ECC support. The AMD part uses DDR4, also dual-channel, with a stated memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s and full ECC support. The PCIe implementation differs as well: Intel provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while AMD provides Gen 3 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics also diverge. Intel bundles the HD 2500 GPU, while AMD includes the Radeon Vega 3. The AMD part has a production status of "Active," whereas the Intel part's status is not listed. The sockets are incompatible: Intel uses Socket 1155, AMD uses Socket FP5. The release dates are separated by roughly a decade — Intel launched in 2012, AMD in 2022.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570S wins all multi-core tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 3991 versus the AMD's 3359, an 18.8% advantage. The same margin appears in Cinebench R20 (1676 vs 1410) and Cinebench R15 (402 vs 338).

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 competitive in single-core performance?

A: No. The Intel part leads by 18.6% in Cinebench R20 single-core (236 vs 199) and by 18.8% in Cinebench R23 single-core (563 vs 474). The AMD's lower boost clock of 3.50 GHz compared to Intel's 3.80 GHz contributes to this deficit.

Q: What are the power consumption differences?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 has a TDP of 15 watts, while the Intel Core i5-3570S has a TDP of 65 watts. The AMD part consumes significantly less power, making it more suitable for embedded or thermally constrained environments.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes for the AMD, no for the Intel. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i5-3570S does not. This is a critical differentiator for reliability-focused embedded applications.

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570S has 4 cores and 4 threads. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 has 2 cores and 4 threads. Intel's two additional physical cores are the primary reason for its multi-core benchmark lead.

Q: What is the memory technology supported by each?

A: The Intel part supports DDR3 memory, while the AMD part supports DDR4. The AMD also has a rated memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, a figure not specified for the Intel part.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-3570S | AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 4 | 2 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1155 | AMD Socket FP5 |

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Zen+ (Picasso) |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 12 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Die Size | 133 mm² | 210 mm² |

| Transistors | Not listed | 4,940 million |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 38.4 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes | Gen 3, 8 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 2500 | Radeon Vega 3 |

| Production Status | Not listed | Active |

| Release Date | 2012-05-31 | 2022-06-20 |

| Part Number | SR0T9 | YE2312C4T2OFH |

The Verdict

The data points to one clear conclusion: for raw computational performance, the Intel Core i5-3570S is the superior processor. It wins every benchmark in the comparison, with a consistent 19% margin across both single-core and multi-core tests. Its 4-core configuration, higher clocks, and larger L3 cache give it a decisive edge over the AMD's 2-core design. Anyone prioritizing compute throughput should choose the Intel part without hesitation.

However, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 is not without its own strengths. Its 15-watt TDP is dramatically lower than Intel's 65-watt figure, making it far more suitable for embedded systems where thermal output and power draw are paramount. It also supports ECC memory, offers DDR4 support with a stated 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, and comes from a newer 12 nm process. The AMD part's production status is "Active," whereas the Intel's is not listed. For embedded deployments where reliability, power efficiency, and modern memory are more critical than raw speed, the AMD is the logical pick.

Neither processor distinguishes itself in the broader market. Both sit at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores (1169 for Intel, 1156 for AMD) are nearly identical. The Intel part's rivals include the Core i7-2960XM and i5-3450, while the AMD's rivals include the Opteron 4334 and Core i3-8145UE. These are mid-pack performers, not high-end parts.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-3570S wins in every compute-heavy scenario. Its 4 physical cores deliver a 18.9% multi-core advantage in Cinebench R15 and R20, and a 18.8% edge in Cinebench R23. Single-core performance is also superior, with margins of 18.6% and 18.8% in Cinebench R20 and R23 respectively. For desktop workloads — rendering, compilation, or any task that scales across cores — the Intel part is the clear choice. Its higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz also benefits lightly-threaded applications.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 wins in efficiency and platform features. Its 15-watt TDP against Intel's 65 watts makes it the only viable option for fanless or battery-powered embedded designs. ECC memory support is a non-negotiable requirement for certain reliability-critical systems, and the AMD delivers that capability. The newer DDR4 support with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth provides a modern memory interface, and the 12 nm process node indicates a more recent manufacturing technology. The AMD's integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics may also offer different capabilities than Intel's HD 2500, though no benchmark data is provided to quantify this.

In short: the Intel is the performance winner, the AMD is the embedded-platform winner. The choice depends entirely on whether the application demands maximum compute (choose Intel) or minimum power with ECC and modern memory (choose AMD).