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Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53570K

Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53570K

Bottom line: The Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 ($139.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Quad-core design at 3.4 GHz base clock for period-correct LGA 1155 builds; main trade-off: LGA 1155 is a discontinued socket, so upgrade paths are limited.

$139.00

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Buy on Amazon — $139.00 Compare to similar retro cpus

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Quad-core design at 3.4 GHz base clock for period-correct LGA 1155 builds
  • ✓ 6 MB Intel Smart Cache helps older games and multitasking
  • ✓ 22 nm process, a step up from earlier 32 nm LGA 1155 chips
  • ✓ Unlocked K-series chip suited to tuning on compatible boards

Cons

  • ✗ LGA 1155 is a discontinued socket, so upgrade paths are limited
  • ✗ Four cores only, well behind modern CPUs in heavy multithreaded work
  • ✗ Needs a compatible LGA 1155 board; some may require a BIOS update
  • ✗ Discontinued part, so condition and packaging vary by seller

Manufacturer description

The Intel Core i5-3570K is a quad-core LGA 1155 desktop processor, and it is still a common pick for retro PC builds and for upgrading older Ivy Bridge-era systems. It runs at a 3.4 GHz base clock, has 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache, and is built on a 22 nm process. Its DMI link to the chipset runs at 5 GT/s. The K suffix marks this as Intel's unlocked i5 of its generation. That makes it a good fit if you want to tune a vintage Z-series motherboard rather than keep stock settings. If you already have an LGA 1155 board, the i5-3570K is a drop-in quad-core that can bring an older gaming rig or…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro cpus category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the retro cpus category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro cpus of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What socket does the Intel Core i5-3570K use?

It uses the LGA 1155 socket. You need an LGA 1155 motherboard, and you should check the board maker's CPU support list to confirm which BIOS version is required.

How fast is the i5-3570K?

It is a quad-core processor with a 3.4 GHz base clock, 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache, and a 5 GT/s DMI link, built on a 22 nm process.

Is the i5-3570K good for a retro gaming PC?

For a period-correct LGA 1155 build it is a popular choice. It has four cores at 3.4 GHz and 6 MB of cache.

Can I overclock the Intel Core i5-3570K?

The K suffix marks it as an unlocked model, but overclocking also depends on a motherboard chipset that supports it. Check your board's specifications before you plan to tune it.

Does it come with a warranty or a cooler?

The part number BX80637I53570K is the retail boxed version, but since this chip is discontinued, what is included and any warranty depend on the seller. Check the product listing for current details.

Key Features

  • Model: Intel Core i5 Processor i5-3570K
  • Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz
  • DMI: 5 GT/s
  • Intel Smart Cache: 6 MB
  • Lithography: 22 nm

Full Specifications

DMI5 GT/s
BrandIntel
ModelIntel Core i5 Processor i5-3570K
Wattage77 watts
PlatformWindows 10
CPU ModelCore i5
CPU Speed3.4 GHz
CPU SocketLGA 1155
Unit Count1 Count
Clock Speed3.4 GHz
Lithography22 nm
Model NumberBX80637I53570K
Built-In MediaOther
Mfr Part NumberBX80637I53570K
Processor BrandIntel
Processor Count4
Processor Speed3.4 GHz
Secondary Cache6 MB
CPU ManufacturerIntel
Item Part NumberBX80637I53570K, BX80637I53570K 920515, bx80637i53570k

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53570K is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $139.00

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53570K
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