Intel Core i5-3570K vs Intel Core i5-4430S Comparison

The Intel Core i5-3570K and Intel Core i5-4430S represent two distinct approaches to the quad-core desktop CPU, separated by a generation and a philosophy. The 3570K is an unlocked, high-clock Ivy Bridge part aimed at enthusiasts, while the 4430S is a locked, low-power Haswell chip designed for efficiency. The benchmark data reveals a fascinating split, where the older chip dominates in sustained rendering workloads, yet the newer chip counters with a surprising victory in Geekbench, suggesting architectural efficiency gains that transcend raw clock speed.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking pattern in the data is the complete dominance of the Core i5-3570K across the entire Cinebench suite. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 3570K scores 425 against the 4430S’s 373, a 13.9% advantage. This margin is nearly identical in the single-core test, where 60 beats 52, a 15.4% lead. The trend continues into R20, with the 3570K posting 1772 versus 1558 multi-core (13.7% ahead) and 250 versus 219 single-core (14.2% ahead). The R23 results follow suit: 4221 versus 3710 multi-core (13.8%) and 596 versus 523 single-core (14% ahead).

These Cinebench wins are consistent and substantial, ranging from 13.7% to 15.4%. The consistency suggests that the 3570K’s higher base clock of 3.40 GHz and boost clock of 3.80 GHz provide a decisive advantage in this rendering workload, which scales strongly with raw frequency. The 4430S, with its 2.70 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost, simply cannot keep pace when both cores are fully utilized.

However, the Geekbench results flip the script entirely. In Geekbench multi-core, the 4430S wins decisively with 2773 points against the 3570K’s 2245, a 19% advantage. The single-core test shows an even larger gap: 980 for the 4430S versus 776 for the 3570K, a 20.8% lead. This is a remarkable reversal. The newer Haswell architecture, despite its lower clocks, delivers nearly 21% better single-core performance in this benchmark, indicating that IPC (instructions per clock) improvements between Ivy Bridge and Haswell are substantial enough to overcome a 600 MHz clock deficit.

This split creates a curious situation where the 3570K wins 6 of 8 head-to-head tests, yet the 4430S wins the two Geekbench tests by larger margins than the 3570K achieves in any of its victories. The average benchmark scores tell a similar story: the 3570K averages 1293, while the 4430S averages 1274, a difference of only 1.5%. Both CPUs sit at the 35th percentile of all CPUs, placing them in the same performance tier despite their divergent strengths.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures despite sharing the same 22 nm process node and transistor count of 1,400 million. The 3570K uses the Ivy Bridge architecture, while the 4430S uses Haswell. This generational leap is reflected in their die sizes: the 3570K measures 160 mm², while the 4430S is slightly larger at 177 mm². The larger die on the newer part accommodates the additional architectural enhancements that contribute to its IPC advantage.

Both CPUs feature 4 cores and 4 threads, with identical cache hierarchies: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. This means the performance differences cannot be attributed to cache capacity or thread count. The core configurations are functionally identical, isolating the architectural improvements as the primary differentiator.

The sockets differ as well, with the 3570K using Intel Socket 1155 and the 4430S using Intel Socket 1150. This makes them incompatible with the same motherboards, a critical consideration for any upgrade path. The 3570K also features an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, whereas the 4430S is locked, preventing manual clock adjustments. The integrated graphics differ, with the 3570K featuring Intel HD 4000 and the 4430S featuring Intel HD 4600.

Memory support is identical in type (DDR3) and bus width (dual-channel), though the 3570K has a listed memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s while the 4430S has no listed bandwidth figure. Both support PCIe Gen 3, with the 3570K using 16 lanes (CPU only) and the 4430S having unspecified lane configuration. Neither supports ECC memory.

Where Each One Wins

The Cinebench results clearly favor the 3570K for sustained multi-threaded rendering workloads. The 13.7% to 13.9% multi-core advantages across R15, R20, and R23 indicate that any application that stresses all four cores for extended periods will see a meaningful performance boost from the older chip. The single-core Cinebench wins, ranging from 14% to 15.4%, further solidify this position for applications that are heavily reliant on single-threaded performance but use Cinebench’s specific rendering engine.

The 4430S, conversely, wins decisively in Geekbench, which is a more diverse benchmark suite covering a wider range of tasks including encryption, compression, and image processing. The 19% multi-core and 20.8% single-core advantages suggest that Haswell’s architectural improvements translate to better performance in a broader mix of real-world workloads. The 4430S also benefits from a lower TDP of 65 watts compared to the 3570K’s 77 watts, making it more suitable for power-constrained builds.

For gaming, the data is ambiguous. The 3570K’s higher clocks could benefit older games that rely on single-thread performance, but the 4430S’s superior Geekbench single-core score suggests it might handle more modern game engines better. The 4430S also has the newer HD 4600 integrated graphics, which offers better iGPU performance for systems without a discrete GPU, though neither is suitable for demanding gaming.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core i5-3570K scores 4221, which is 13.8% higher than the 4430S’s 3710.

Q: Why does the 4430S win Geekbench despite having lower clock speeds?

A: The 4430S’s Haswell architecture delivers higher IPC than the 3570K’s Ivy Bridge, allowing it to score 2773 multi-core and 980 single-core, which are 19% and 20.8% higher respectively.

Q: Do both CPUs have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 4 threads, with identical L1, L2, and L3 cache configurations.

Q: Can the 4430S be overclocked?

A: No, the 4430S has a locked multiplier, while the 3570K has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking.

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

A: The 3570K averages 1293, while the 4430S averages 1274, a difference of 1.5% in favor of the 3570K.

Q: Are these CPUs compatible with the same motherboards?

A: No, the 3570K uses Intel Socket 1155, while the 4430S uses Intel Socket 1150, making them incompatible with each other’s platforms.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: the 3570K is the better choice for users prioritizing raw rendering performance, as evidenced by its consistent 13.7% to 15.4% wins across all Cinebench iterations. Its unlocked multiplier offers additional headroom for overclocking, potentially extending its lead further. The 3570K also has a higher launch MSRP of $212, which reflects its enthusiast positioning.

The 4430S, however, is the superior choice for users running a diverse workload mix that resembles Geekbench’s testing methodology. Its 19% to 20.8% Geekbench victories indicate that Haswell’s architectural advancements provide tangible benefits in many everyday tasks, despite the lower clock speeds. The lower 65-watt TDP makes it more attractive for compact or energy-efficient builds.

The 1.5% average score difference between the two is negligible in real-world terms, placing them in the same performance tier at the 35th percentile. The decision ultimately hinges on workload type: Cinebench-heavy users should choose the 3570K, while those running varied applications may prefer the 4430S. The 3570K’s overclocking capability and higher clocks make it the more flexible choice for enthusiasts willing to tune their systems.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-3570K | Intel Core i5-4430S |

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

| Base Clock | 3.40 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| TDP | 77 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1155 | Intel Socket 1150 |

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Haswell |

| Die Size | 160 mm² | 177 mm² |

| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s | Not listed |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4000 | Intel HD 4600 |

| Multiplier | Unlocked | Locked |

| Launch MSRP | $212 | Not listed |

| Release Date | 2012-04-28 | 2013-06-01 |

| Part Number | SR0PM | SR14M |