Intel Core i5-3570T vs Intel Core i7-2600S Comparison

The Intel Core i7-2600S and Intel Core i5-3570T are two low-power desktop processors from different generations, yet they land in the same performance percentile. Data shows the i7-2600S wins every head-to-head benchmark, but the i5-3570T counters with a lower TDP and a smaller process node. The i7-2600S is the clear choice for multi-threaded workloads, while the i5-3570T appeals strictly to power-constrained builds where the 45W TDP is a decisive factor. Neither chip unlocks multipliers, and both are end-of-life, so the decision rests on whether raw compute or efficiency matters more.

The Verdict

From the benchmark data, the Intel Core i7-2600S is the outright performance winner, taking all seven head-to-head comparisons against the i5-3570T. The average benchmark score of 1146 for the i7-2600S versus 1136 for the i5-3570T reflects a narrow overall gap, but the distribution of wins is not close. The i7-2600S leads by 19.6% in Cinebench R15 multi-core and by 19.4% in both Cinebench R20 and R23 multi-core tests, which are substantial margins for processors in this class.

The i5-3570T, however, holds a 45W TDP compared to the i7-2600S’s 65W, making it the better option for systems where thermal and power limits are strict. The i5-3570T also uses a 22nm process versus the 32nm node of the i7-2600S, which contributes to its lower draw. For users who prioritize maximum compute per watt, the i5-3570T is the rational pick, despite losing every benchmark. For anyone who needs the fastest possible scores in Cinebench or Geekbench, the i7-2600S is the only choice from this pair. The data shows no scenario where the i5-3570T wins a benchmark, so performance-oriented buyers should ignore the newer architecture and pick the older i7.

Architecture Differences

The i7-2600S is built on the Sandy Bridge architecture, while the i5-3570T uses Ivy Bridge. This generation gap shows up in the process node: the i7-2600S is fabricated on a 32nm process with 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die, whereas the i5-3570T uses a 22nm process with 1,400 million transistors on a smaller 160 mm² die. The i5-3570T packs more transistors into less space, which explains its lower TDP of 45W against the i7-2600S’s 65W.

Both processors have four physical cores, but the i7-2600S supports 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, while the i5-3570T is limited to 4 threads. This is the single most important architectural difference for performance, as it allows the i7-2600S to exploit more parallelism in multi-threaded workloads. The i7-2600S also carries a larger L3 cache at 8MB shared, versus 6MB shared on the i5-3570T. L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64KB per core and 256KB per core, respectively.

Integrated graphics differ as well: the i7-2600S ships with Intel HD 2000, while the i5-3570T includes Intel HD 2500. Both processors support DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration, and neither supports ECC memory. PCIe capabilities are the same: Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The i7-2600S has a base clock of 2.80GHz and a boost of 3.80GHz, while the i5-3570T runs at 2.30GHz base and 3.30GHz boost. These clock differences, combined with the thread count, drive the benchmark results.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i7-2600S dominates the Cinebench suite with consistent margins near 19.4%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-2600S scores 396 against the i5-3570T’s 331, a 19.6% lead. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 1651 versus 1383, a 19.4% gap, and Cinebench R23 multi-core repeats the pattern with 3933 versus 3293, again 19.4%. The i7-2600S also wins single-core tests by the same margin: Cinebench R20 single-core is 233 versus 195 (19.5%), and Cinebench R23 single-core is 555 versus 465 (19.4%). This consistency suggests the i7-2600S’s higher boost clock of 3.80GHz versus 3.30GHz is the primary driver, not just the extra threads.

The Geekbench results tell a different story. In Geekbench multi-core, the i7-2600S scores 1765 versus 1705 for the i5-3570T, a modest 3.5% lead. In Geekbench single-core, both chips score exactly 578, resulting in a 0% delta and a nominal win for the i7-2600S. This near-tie in single-core Geekbench indicates that the i5-3570T’s Ivy Bridge architecture offsets some of the clock disadvantage in this particular workload, but the i7-2600S still edges ahead in multi-core due to its 8 threads. Across all seven benchmarks, the i7-2600S wins every time, with margins ranging from 0% to 19.6%.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-2600S wins all multi-core benchmarks, with leads of 19.6% in Cinebench R15, 19.4% in both Cinebench R20 and R23, and 3.5% in Geekbench multi-core.

Q: Is the Intel Core i5-3570T more power-efficient?

A: Yes, the i5-3570T has a 45W TDP compared to the i7-2600S’s 65W, and it is built on a 22nm process versus the 32nm node of the i7-2600S.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration, and neither supports ECC memory.

Q: What is the difference in thread counts?

A: The i7-2600S has 8 threads (4 cores with Hyper-Threading), while the i5-3570T has 4 threads (4 cores without Hyper-Threading).

Q: Which chip has a larger L3 cache?

A: The i7-2600S has 8MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-3570T has 6MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Are there any benchmarks where the i5-3570T wins?

A: No, the data shows the i7-2600S wins all seven head-to-head benchmarks, including a tie in Geekbench single-core where the i7-2600S is credited with the win due to a 0% delta.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-2600S wins every benchmark in the dataset, making it the superior choice for any compute-heavy task. Its biggest advantages come in Cinebench workloads, where the 19.4-19.6% margins reflect the benefit of 8 threads over 4. Multi-threaded rendering, video encoding, and compilation tasks would clearly favor the i7-2600S, as would any workload that scales with L3 cache size (8MB versus 6MB). The higher boost clock of 3.80GHz also helps single-threaded performance, though the i5-3570T matches it in Geekbench single-core at 578 points.

The i5-3570T’s only wins are not in benchmarks but in efficiency metrics. With a 45W TDP, it draws one-third less power than the i7-2600S’s 65W, which is critical for small-form-factor builds, silent PCs, or systems with inadequate cooling. The 22nm process node and higher transistor count (1,400 million versus 1,160 million) on a smaller die (160 mm² versus 216 mm²) indicate a more modern design that runs cooler under load. The i5-3570T also has a newer integrated graphics solution (Intel HD 2500 versus HD 2000), which could matter for basic display output without a discrete GPU. For users who never stress the CPU heavily and want the lowest possible power draw, the i5-3570T is the rational pick, but it sacrifices 19%+ performance in Cinebench to achieve that efficiency.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The i7-2600S has 8 threads versus 4 threads on the i5-3570T, despite both having 4 cores. Clock speeds differ: the i7-2600S runs at 2.80GHz base and 3.80GHz boost, while the i5-3570T runs at 2.30GHz base and 3.30GHz boost. TDP is a major difference, with the i7-2600S rated at 65W and the i5-3570T at 45W.

The process node and die details differ: the i7-2600S uses a 32nm process with 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die, while the i5-3570T uses a 22nm process with 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die. L3 cache is 8MB on the i7-2600S versus 6MB on the i5-3570T, while L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64KB and 256KB per core. Integrated graphics differ, with Intel HD 2000 on the i7-2600S and Intel HD 2500 on the i5-3570T.

Architecture and generation are different: Sandy Bridge for the i7-2600S and Ivy Bridge for the i5-3570T. Release dates differ, with the i7-2600S launching on January 8, 2011, and the i5-3570T on April 28, 2012. Both use the Intel Socket 1155, support DDR3 memory in dual-channel mode, have no ECC support, and offer PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and neither has a launch MSRP listed in the data. The part numbers are SR00E for the i7-2600S and SR0P1 for the i5-3570T.