Intel Core i5-2500K vs Intel Core i5-3570 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data splits these two processors into two distinct stories. In Cinebench workloads, the Intel Core i5-3570 is consistently ahead by a wide margin, while the Intel Core i5-2500K takes the lead in Geekbench tests. The overall win count favors the i5-3570 with 5 wins against 2 for the i5-2500K.

Starting with the multi-core Cinebench results, the i5-3570 posts 421 points in Cinebench R15 multi-core against 354 for the i5-2500K, a lead of 18.9%. That same 18.9% delta appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i5-3570 scores 1758 versus 1479. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-3570 reaches 4187 points while the i5-2500K manages 3523, an 18.8% advantage. These are substantial margins for two quad-core parts with the same core and thread counts.

Single-core Cinebench results follow a similar pattern. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i5-3570 scores 248 against 208, a 19.2% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 591 versus 497, an 18.9% gap. The i5-3570 also holds a smaller edge in Cinebench R15 single-core with 59 points, though the i5-2500K does not have a recorded score for that specific test in the comparison data.

The picture flips in Geekbench. The i5-2500K scores 2434 in Geekbench multi-core against 2251 for the i5-3570, a 7.5% advantage. In Geekbench single-core, the i5-2500K posts 805 versus 770, a 4.3% lead. These are the only two tests where the i5-2500K comes out on top, but they are consistent across both single-core and multi-core variants of that benchmark suite.

Looking at the aggregate numbers, the i5-2500K has a higher average benchmark score of 1329 compared to 1286 for the i5-3570. Both processors sit at the 35th percentile against all CPUs in the database, meaning neither stands out in the broader landscape, but the i5-2500K's overall average is buoyed by its Geekbench performance. The nearest rivals for each chip confirm their respective positions: the i5-3570 sits within 0.6% of the i5-3570K, while the i5-2500K is within 0.6% of the Celeron G6900T and G6900E.

The Verdict

The data tells a clear story depending on the workload. For Cinebench-style rendering tasks, the Intel Core i5-3570 is the stronger processor by nearly 19% across every multi-core and single-core variant of that benchmark. That is a decisive margin that appears consistently, not a one-off result. If the workload relies on Cinebench performance, the i5-3570 is the obvious pick from the recorded measurements.

For Geekbench-based testing, the Intel Core i5-2500K takes the lead with a 7.5% multi-core advantage and a 4.3% single-core advantage. The i5-2500K also carries the higher average benchmark score at 1329 versus 1286, which reflects its stronger showing in that particular suite. However, the i5-2500K's aggregate edge is smaller than the i5-3570's Cinebench dominance in percentage terms.

The i5-3570 also has practical advantages beyond raw scores. It has a lower TDP of 77 watts against 95 watts for the i5-2500K, which means less heat output under load. It supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the i5-2500K is limited to PCIe Gen 2. The i5-3570 uses a 22 nm process node versus 32 nm for the i5-2500K, which contributes to its efficiency profile.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-3570 wins in rendering-oriented benchmarks across the board. Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 all show the i5-3570 ahead by roughly 19%, whether testing single-core or multi-core throughput. This makes it the better choice for users whose workloads resemble Cinebench's rendering engine, such as 3D modeling or animation tasks. The consistency of the 18.8% to 19.2% delta across all five Cinebench tests suggests a fundamental architectural advantage in that workload type, not a measurement artifact.

The i5-2500K wins in Geekbench, both single-core and multi-core. Its 7.5% multi-core lead and 4.3% single-core lead indicate it handles Geekbench's workload patterns more efficiently. For users running Geekbench-style applications, the i5-2500K offers measurable benefits. Its higher average benchmark score of 1329 also gives it the edge in overall database standing, even though both chips share the same 35th percentile ranking.

The i5-2500K also offers an unlocked multiplier, which the i5-3570 lacks. This is a feature-level difference that matters for overclocking, though the benchmark data does not include overclocked results. The integrated graphics differ as well: the i5-2500K includes Intel HD 3000, while the i5-3570 includes Intel HD 2500.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570 scores 4187 points versus 3523 for the Intel Core i5-2500K, an 18.8% advantage.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-2500K win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins Geekbench multi-core with 2434 against 2251 (a 7.5% lead) and Geekbench single-core with 805 against 770 (a 4.3% lead).

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core i5-2500K has an average benchmark score of 1329, while the Intel Core i5-3570 averages 1286. Both processors rank at the 35th percentile against all CPUs.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory configuration?

A: Yes, both support DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth. Neither supports ECC memory.

Q: How do the power requirements compare?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570 has a TDP of 77 watts, while the Intel Core i5-2500K has a TDP of 95 watts.

Q: Can both processors be overclocked?

A: No. The Intel Core i5-2500K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core i5-3570 does not.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel microarchitectures. The Intel Core i5-3570 uses Ivy Bridge, built on a 22 nm process node with 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die. The Intel Core i5-2500K uses Sandy Bridge, built on a 32 nm process node with 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die. The process shrink gives the i5-3570 a smaller die and more transistors in less space, which contributes to its efficiency advantage.

Both processors feature 4 cores and 4 threads, so the thread count is identical. Cache configurations also match: 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory support is the same as well, with DDR3 memory over a dual-channel bus delivering 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth.

The PCIe implementation differs between the two. The i5-3570 supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the i5-2500K supports PCIe Gen 2 with 16 lanes. This is relevant for expansion card bandwidth, particularly for graphics cards or NVMe adapters that benefit from Gen 3 throughput.

Integrated graphics also differ. The i5-3570 includes Intel HD 2500, while the i5-2500K includes Intel HD 3000. The i5-2500K's integrated graphics solution is the higher-tier option of the two.

Specification Differences

The base clock speeds differ slightly: the Intel Core i5-3570 runs at 3.40 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-2500K runs at 3.30 GHz. Boost clocks follow the same pattern, with the i5-3570 reaching 3.80 GHz and the i5-2500K reaching 3.70 GHz.

The TDP difference is significant: 77 watts for the i5-3570 versus 95 watts for the i5-2500K. This makes the i5-3570 the lower-power option despite its higher clock speeds.

The multiplier unlock status separates the two clearly. The i5-2500K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, while the i5-3570 does not. This is a defining feature for enthusiasts.

The process nodes differ, with the i5-3570 on 22 nm and the i5-2500K on 32 nm. Transistor counts follow: 1,400 million for the i5-3570 and 1,160 million for the i5-2500K. Die sizes are 160 mm² and 216 mm² respectively.

PCIe generation differs, with the i5-3570 supporting Gen 3 and the i5-2500K supporting Gen 2, both with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics differ as noted, with Intel HD 2500 on the i5-3570 and Intel HD 3000 on the i5-2500K.

The part numbers are SR0T7 for the i5-3570 and SR008 for the i5-2500K. Both processors use the Intel Socket 1155 and are marked as end-of-life in production status. The i5-3570 has a launch MSRP of $194, while the i5-2500K has a launch MSRP of $216.