Intel Core i5-4430S vs Intel Core i5-4570R Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear pattern across the benchmark suite: the Intel Core i5-4570R wins seven of the eight head-to-head comparisons, while the Intel Core i5-4430S takes a single victory. The margin of victory for the 4570R is consistent, hovering around 3.7% to 4.4% in most tests, which indicates a steady performance advantage rather than a workload-specific anomaly.

Starting with the Cinebench suite, the 4570R leads in every single iteration. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the 4570R scores 390 against the 4430S's 373, a 4.4% advantage. The single-core result in the same test shows 54 versus 52, a 3.7% gap. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore scores are 1629 for the 4570R and 1558 for the 4430S, again a 4.4% difference. The single-core R20 result is 229 versus 219, matching that 4.4% delta. Cinebench R23 continues the trend: multicore scores of 3879 and 3710, and single-core scores of 547 and 523, both showing a 4.4% edge for the 4570R.

Geekbench results are more varied. In the multicore test, the 4570R posts 2872 against the 4430S's 2773, a 3.4% advantage. However, in Geekbench single-core, the 4430S turns the tables with a score of 980 versus 943, a 3.9% lead for the 4430S. This is the only test where the 4430S comes out ahead, and it is worth remembering the margin here is smaller than the 4570R's typical winning margin.

The average benchmark scores reflect this overall imbalance. The 4430S has an average score of 1274, while the 4570R averages 1318, a difference of 44 points. Both processors sit at the 35th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy a similar tier overall despite the 4570R's better raw numbers.

Where Each One Wins

The 4570R dominates in multi-threaded workloads. Every Cinebench multicore test, from R15 through R23, shows the 4570R ahead by 4.4%. The Geekbench multicore result also favors the 4570R, albeit by a slightly smaller 3.4%. This consistency across different rendering and processing tests suggests the 4570R handles sustained multi-core load slightly better, likely due to its larger die and additional transistors.

The 4430S's lone victory comes in Geekbench single-core, where it scores 980 versus 943, a 3.9% advantage. This is a meaningful result for lightly threaded applications, where a single core's performance can dominate. The 4430S also shows a smaller deficit in Cinebench R15 single-core, losing by only 3.7% compared to the 4.4% gaps seen in later Cinebench versions. This suggests the 4430S's single-core performance is relatively stronger in older benchmarks, though it still trails in most cases.

For users prioritizing multi-threaded tasks, the 4570R is the clear choice based on the data. For those whose workloads are primarily single-threaded, the 4430S offers a measurable edge in at least one benchmark, though the 4570R remains competitive there as well. The 4570R's wins are more numerous and its average score is higher, so it holds the overall advantage.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's Haswell architecture, but they diverge in codename and physical design. The 4430S carries the Haswell codename, while the 4570R uses Crystal Well. Both are manufactured on a 22 nm process at Intel's foundry, but the transistor counts and die sizes differ significantly. The 4430S contains 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die, whereas the 4570R packs 1,700 million transistors on a 260 mm² die. This 300 million transistor difference and 83 mm² die size increase give the 4570R more silicon area to work with, which explains its higher performance in most tests.

Cache configurations also differ. Both processors share 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, but the L3 cache amounts diverge. The 4430S has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 4570R has 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Despite having less L3 cache, the 4570R still outperforms the 4430S in most benchmarks, indicating that other architectural factors compensate for the smaller cache.

The integrated graphics are another major distinction. The 4430S uses Intel HD 4600, while the 4570R features Intel Iris Pro 5200. This is a substantial difference in graphics capability, as Iris Pro is a higher-tier integrated solution. The 4570R also lists a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, a figure not recorded for the 4430S, which may affect graphics and memory-bound tasks.

The sockets differ as well. The 4430S uses Intel Socket 1150, a standard desktop socket, while the 4570R uses Intel BGA 1364, a ball-grid array typically soldered to the motherboard. This means the 4430S is likely replaceable or upgradeable in a socketed motherboard, while the 4570R is fixed in place. The 4570R is also marked as end-of-life in the database, while the 4430S has no production status listed.

Specification Differences

The two processors share several core specifications. Both have 4 cores and 4 threads, base clocks of 2.70 GHz, boost clocks of 3.20 GHz, and a TDP of 65 watts. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, and both support DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus. ECC memory is not supported on either. Both use PCIe Gen 3, though the 4570R specifies "16 Lanes (CPU only)" while the 4430S lists just "Gen 3". Both were released on the same date, 2013-06-01, and neither has a recorded launch MSRP.

The key differences are in socket, codename, transistors, die size, L3 cache, memory bandwidth, and integrated graphics. The socket difference is notable: Socket 1150 versus BGA 1364. The codename difference, Haswell versus Crystal Well, reflects the 4570R's distinct design. Transistor count and die size are both higher for the 4570R, as noted above. L3 cache is higher for the 4430S at 6 MB versus 4 MB. Memory bandwidth is only recorded for the 4570R at 25.6 GB/s. Integrated graphics are HD 4600 for the 4430S and Iris Pro 5200 for the 4570R.

The part numbers also differ: SR14M for the 4430S and SR18P for the 4570R. No other specification fields show differences.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-4570R has an average benchmark score of 1318, while the Intel Core i5-4430S averages 1274.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two in any single test?

A: The largest gap is a 4.4% advantage for the 4570R, seen in Cinebench R15 multicore, R20 multicore, R20 single-core, R23 multicore, and R23 single-core.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the 4430S beats the 4570R?

A: Yes, in Geekbench single-core, the 4430S scores 980 against the 4570R's 943, a 3.9% lead.

Q: How do the L3 cache sizes compare?

A: The 4430S has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 4570R has 4 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What are the integrated graphics on each processor?

A: The 4430S features Intel HD 4600, while the 4570R features Intel Iris Pro 5200.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: No, the 4430S uses Intel Socket 1150, while the 4570R uses Intel BGA 1364.

The Verdict

The data points decisively toward the Intel Core i5-4570R as the stronger performer. It wins seven of eight head-to-head benchmarks, with a consistent 4.4% lead in most Cinebench tests and a 3.4% edge in Geekbench multicore. Its average benchmark score of 1318 is 44 points higher than the 4430S's 1274. The 4570R also offers a superior integrated GPU with Iris Pro 5200, which is a meaningful advantage for systems relying on integrated graphics.

The 4430S is not without merit. Its 3.9% victory in Geekbench single-core indicates it can handle lightly threaded tasks with a slight edge. Its larger 6 MB L3 cache, compared to 4 MB on the 4570R, may also benefit certain cache-sensitive workloads, though this does not translate into a benchmark win in the recorded data. Additionally, the 4430S uses the more standard Socket 1150, which offers greater flexibility for motherboard compatibility and potential upgrades.

That said, the 4570R's overall consistency is hard to ignore. It wins in every multi-threaded test and most single-threaded tests, and its higher transistor count and die size provide a structural explanation for its performance. The 4570R is the better pick for users who want the best all-around performance from these two Haswell-era processors, especially if integrated graphics matter. The 4430S is the alternative for those prioritizing single-core Geekbench performance or requiring a socketed processor, but the recorded benchmarks show it trailing in the majority of scenarios.