What To Know
- The Intel Core i9 10900X boasts a significantly higher clock speed, more cores, and threads, resulting in a massive performance advantage across the board.
- In benchmark tests, the Intel Core i9 10900X consistently outperforms the Intel Core i5 3570S by a wide margin, especially in multi-threaded workloads.
- If you’re looking for the best possible performance, the Intel Core i9 10900X is the clear choice, but if you’re on a tighter budget, the Intel Core i5 3570S might be a more affordable option.
Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two processors from vastly different generations: the Intel Core i5 3570S and the Intel Core i9 10900X. This Intel Core i5 3570S vs Intel Core i9 10900X comparison will shed light on their performance differences, strengths, and weaknesses, helping you determine which CPU is the better fit for your specific needs.
A Look Back: The Intel Core i5 3570S
Released in 2012, the Intel Core i5 3570S sits comfortably within the third generation of Intel’s Core i series. This processor boasts a 4-core, 4-thread configuration clocked at 3.1 GHz, which can turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz. It’s a capable CPU for its time, offering decent performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and basic content creation. However, its age is a significant factor, as it lacks the modern features and performance capabilities of newer processors.
The Powerhouse: Intel Core i9 10900X
Fast forward to 2019, and we encounter the Intel Core i9 10900X. This beast of a processor represents the pinnacle of Intel’s 10th generation Comet Lake lineup. It packs a whopping 10 cores and 20 threads, clocked at 3.7 GHz, and can turbo boost up to 4.7 GHz. This processor offers exceptional multi-core performance, making it a powerhouse for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
Comparing the Core: Performance and Features
The difference in performance between these two processors is staggering. The Intel Core i9 10900X boasts a significantly higher clock speed, more cores, and threads, resulting in a massive performance advantage across the board. In benchmark tests, the Intel Core i9 10900X consistently outperforms the Intel Core i5 3570S by a wide margin, especially in multi-threaded workloads.
Here’s a breakdown of key differences:
- Cores and Threads: The Intel Core i9 10900X has 10 cores and 20 threads compared to the Intel Core i5 3570S’s 4 cores and 4 threads. This translates to significantly faster processing power, especially for tasks that can utilize multiple cores.
- Clock Speed: The Intel Core i9 10900X has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.7 GHz, while the Intel Core i5 3570S has a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and a boost clock speed of 3.8 GHz. The higher clock speeds of the Intel Core i9 10900X contribute to its superior overall performance.
- Cache: The Intel Core i9 10900X boasts a larger L3 cache (19.25 MB) compared to the Intel Core i5 3570S (6 MB). This larger cache allows the Intel Core i9 10900X to store more frequently used data, resulting in faster access and overall performance.
- Supported Technologies: The Intel Core i9 10900X supports newer technologies like PCIe 4.0, which offers significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to the PCIe 3.0 support on the Intel Core i5 3570S.
Gaming Performance: A Clear Winner
While both processors can handle casual gaming, the Intel Core i9 10900X shines in demanding, modern titles. Its superior multi-core performance and high clock speed provide a noticeable advantage, resulting in smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, especially in games that utilize multiple CPU cores. The Intel Core i5 3570S may struggle to keep up with modern games, especially at higher resolutions and settings.
The Price Factor: A Significant Difference
The Intel Core i9 10900X is a high-end processor, and its price reflects its performance capabilities. It’s significantly more expensive than the Intel Core i5 3570S, which is now considered a budget-friendly option due to its age. If you’re looking for the best possible performance, the Intel Core i9 10900X is the clear choice, but if you’re on a tighter budget, the Intel Core i5 3570S might be a more affordable option.
Power Consumption and Heat Output
The Intel Core i9 10900X is a power-hungry processor with a high thermal design power (TDP) of 165W. This means it requires a powerful cooling solution and can generate significant heat, potentially impacting system stability if not adequately managed. The Intel Core i5 3570S, on the other hand, has a much lower TDP of 77W, making it more energy-efficient and easier to cool.
The Verdict: When to Choose Which CPU
So, which processor should you choose? The answer depends entirely on your needs and budget.
Choose the Intel Core i9 10900X if:
- You need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
- You’re willing to invest in a high-end system with a powerful cooling solution.
- You’re not concerned about power consumption and heat output.
Choose the Intel Core i5 3570S if:
- You’re on a tight budget and need a processor for everyday tasks, light gaming, and basic content creation.
- You prioritize energy efficiency and lower heat output.
- You’re not demanding the latest features and performance capabilities.
Beyond the Comparison: Future-Proofing Your System
While the Intel Core i9 10900X is a powerful processor, it’s important to consider the future of your system. Technology is constantly evolving, and new processors with even better performance capabilities are released regularly. Therefore, investing in a more future-proof system with a processor that can handle the demands of tomorrow is essential.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Progress
The Intel Core i5 3570S vs Intel Core i9 10900X comparison highlights the incredible progress made in processor technology over the years. While the Intel Core i5 3570S was a capable processor in its time, it’s no match for the raw power and efficiency of the Intel Core i9 10900X. Choosing the right CPU for your needs requires careful consideration of your budget, performance requirements, and future-proofing goals.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I upgrade my Intel Core i5 3570S to an Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: Unfortunately, upgrading from an Intel Core i5 3570S to an Intel Core i9 10900X is not possible. These processors use different socket types, meaning they are incompatible with each other. To upgrade to a newer processor, you would need to purchase a new motherboard that supports the desired CPU.
Q: What’s the difference between cores and threads?
A: Cores are the physical processing units within a CPU, while threads are virtual processing units that allow a single core to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. More cores and threads generally translate to better performance, especially for multi-threaded workloads.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 10900X still a good choice in 2023?
A: While the Intel Core i9 10900X is still a powerful processor, newer CPUs from Intel and AMD offer better performance and features. If you’re looking for the best possible performance in 2023, consider exploring the latest generation of processors.
Q: What are some alternatives to the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: Some alternatives to the Intel Core i9 10900X include the Intel Core i9-12900K, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, and the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. These processors offer comparable or better performance with newer features and technologies.
Q: What are the main factors to consider when choosing a CPU?
A: When choosing a CPU, consider your budget, performance requirements, intended use, and future-proofing goals. Research different CPU models and compare their specifications, benchmarks, and reviews to make an informed decision.