Intel Core i5-3570S vs Intel Core i7-2960XM Comparison

The Intel Core i7-2960XM and Intel Core i5-3570S are two processors from different eras and market segments, yet they produce nearly identical average benchmark scores. The data shows both CPUs achieve an average benchmark score of 1169, placing them in the 33rd percentile among all CPUs. The i7-2960XM is a mobile flagship from the Sandy Bridge generation with a 55W TDP, while the i5-3570S is a desktop part from the Ivy Bridge generation with a 65W TDP. Despite the i7's higher core count via Hyper-Threading, the i5's newer architecture and higher clocks allow it to match its rival in most tests, resulting in a 4-4 split in benchmark wins.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570S has a base clock of 3.10 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Core i7-2960XM's base clock of 2.70 GHz.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in Geekbench single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570S wins the Geekbench single-core test with a score of 632, which is 8.1% higher than the i7-2960XM's score of 581.

Q: What is the difference in thread counts between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core i7-2960XM has 8 threads, while the Intel Core i5-3570S has 4 threads. Both have 4 physical cores.

Q: Which processor supports PCIe Gen 3?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570S supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), whereas the Intel Core i7-2960XM supports PCIe Gen 2 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: No, they do not. The Intel Core i7-2960XM uses Intel Socket G2 (988B), while the Intel Core i5-3570S uses Intel Socket 1155.

Q: What is the L3 cache capacity difference?

A: The Intel Core i7-2960XM has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-3570S has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Architecture Differences

The most fundamental architectural difference lies in the fabrication process. The Intel Core i7-2960XM is built on a 32 nm process node with a die size of 216 mm², while the Intel Core i5-3570S uses a more advanced 22 nm process node with a smaller die size of 133 mm². This process shrink allows the i5-3570S to achieve higher clock speeds while maintaining a similar power envelope. The i7-2960XM does have a transistor count of 1,160 million, but the i5-3570S's transistor count is not listed in the data.

Both processors share the same L1 cache (64 KB per core) and L2 cache (256 KB per core) configurations. However, the i7-2960XM offers a larger shared L3 cache at 8 MB compared to the i5-3570S's 6 MB. This larger cache could benefit workloads that rely on repeated data access across cores.

The i7-2960XM is an unlocked multiplier part, enabling overclocking, while the i5-3570S has a locked multiplier. This is a significant feature difference for enthusiasts, though the i7-2960XM runs at a higher 55W TDP compared to the i5-3570S's 65W TDP. The i7-2960XM also integrates Intel HD 3000 graphics, while the i5-3570S integrates Intel HD 2500 graphics.

Memory support is similar, with both using DDR3 in a dual-channel configuration. The i7-2960XM has a listed memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the i5-3570S does not have a bandwidth figure in the data. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

The two CPUs target different market segments. The i7-2960XM is a mobile part released in 2011 with a launch MSRP of $1096, and is marked as end-of-life. The i5-3570S is a desktop part released in 2012. The i7-2960XM's part number is SR02FQ1NA, while the i5-3570S uses part number SR0T9.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are remarkably close, with the two processors trading wins across the eight tests. In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the i5-3570S takes a narrow victory with a score of 402 against the i7-2960XM's 401, a delta of -0.2%. The Cinebench R15 single-core test results in a tie, with both CPUs scoring exactly 56 points, listing the i7-2960XM as the nominal winner due to the tiebreak.

The pattern continues in Cinebench R20, where the i5-3570S wins the multi-core test with 1676 points versus the i7-2960XM's 1674, a margin of just -0.1%. The single-core test again results in a tie, with both scoring 236 points. Cinebench R23 shows the same story: the i5-3570S edges ahead in multi-core with 3991 versus 3988 (-0.1% delta), while the single-core test is a tie at 563 points.

The Geekbench tests provide more decisive results, though they favor different processors. The i7-2960XM wins the Geekbench multi-core test decisively, scoring 1851 against the i5-3570S's 1793, a 3.2% advantage. However, the i5-3570S dominates the Geekbench single-core test, scoring 632 versus the i7-2960XM's 581, representing an 8.1% lead.

These results indicate that the i7-2960XM's Hyper-Threading technology provides a measurable benefit in Geekbench's multi-core workload, giving it a 3.2% edge. Conversely, the i5-3570S's higher base and boost clocks (3.10 GHz and 3.80 GHz versus 2.70 GHz and 3.70 GHz) translate into a significant 8.1% advantage in single-threaded performance. The Cinebench suite shows both CPUs as effectively equivalent, with deltas under 1% in all tests.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-2960XM | Intel Core i5-3570S |

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

| Threads | 8 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| TDP | 55W | 65W |

| Socket | Intel Socket G2 (988B) | Intel Socket 1155 |

| Architecture | Sandy Bridge | Ivy Bridge |

| Process Node | 32 nm | 22 nm |

| Die Size | 216 mm² | 133 mm² |

| Transistors | 1,160 million | Not listed |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

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

| PCIe | Gen 2, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 | Intel HD 2500 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2011-09-03 | 2012-05-31 |

| Launch MSRP | $1096 | Not listed |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SR02FQ1NA | SR0T9 |

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The i7-2960XM offers double the threads and a larger L3 cache, but the i5-3570S counters with higher clocks, a smaller process node, and a newer PCIe generation. The i7-2960XM is also notable for being the only one with an unlocked multiplier and a listed launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-2960XM is the better choice for multi-threaded workloads that can leverage its 8 threads. The Geekbench multi-core test demonstrates this advantage, where it scores 3.2% higher than the i5-3570S. Its larger 8 MB L3 cache may also benefit applications with large working sets that fit within the cache hierarchy. Additionally, its unlocked multiplier provides flexibility for overclocking, though this must be balanced against its mobile platform constraints and higher launch MSRP.

The Intel Core i5-3570S is the superior option for single-threaded performance, as shown by its 8.1% lead in Geekbench single-core. Its higher base and boost clocks, combined with the more efficient 22 nm process, make it better suited for lightly-threaded applications like older games or productivity software that relies on a single core. The i5-3570S also supports PCIe Gen 3, which can provide higher bandwidth for compatible expansion cards, making it a more future-proof choice for a desktop system.

In Cinebench workloads, the two processors are effectively tied, with deltas of -0.2% or less in all multi-core tests and identical single-core scores. This suggests that the i7-2960XM's thread advantage is neutralized by the i5-3570S's clock speed advantage in these specific workloads. For users who run a mix of single-threaded and multi-threaded applications, the choice depends on which workload type is more frequent. The data shows a balanced 4-4 split in benchmark wins, indicating that neither processor has a definitive overall performance advantage. The i5-3570S wins the Cinebench multi-core tests and Geekbench single-core, while the i7-2960XM wins Geekbench multi-core and the nominal single-core ties in Cinebench.