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Intel Core i3 7020U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£250
  • Avg. price in US: ~$280
  • PassMark benchmark result: 2569
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Core i3 7020U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.1

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.4

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £250

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-7020U is a dual-core mobile processor based on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture, featuring 4 threads via Hyper-Threading and a fixed base clock speed of 2.30 GHz. Its main characteristics include a low 15W TDP for energy efficiency, 3 MB of Smart Cache, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 which supports 4K video playback at 60Hz. Key pros include its cool and quiet operation, making it ideal for thin laptops used for basic office tasks, web browsing, and media streaming. However, it suffers from several cons: it lacks a Turbo Boost feature to handle demanding workloads, is limited by just two physical cores which hinders modern multitasking, and its aging architecture is incompatible with newer standards like Windows 11 or AV1 video decoding.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 7020U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.9
Intel Core i3 7020U has a technical score of 3.91 points, which is lower than that of 84.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i3 7020U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

5.5
Intel Core i3 7020U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 85.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i3 7020U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1356
Intel Core i3 7020U uses the FCBGA1356 CPU socket, which is older than that of 88.1% of processors and equal to that of 3% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 7020U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i3 7020U has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 7020U offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 7020U offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 2.3 GHz
Intel Core i3 7020U has a base clock of 2x2.3 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i3 7020U uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i3 7020U is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

3 MB
Intel Core i3 7020U has an L3 cache of 3 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 5.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core i3 7020U has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i3 7020U has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i3 7020U supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 74.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i3 7020U supports memory speeds up to 2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Core i3 7020U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i3 7020U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 7020U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 620
Intel Core i3 7020U uses the Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 76.8% of processors and equal to that in 0.4% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i3 7020U has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i3 7020U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 7020U supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 51.2% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i3 7020U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i3 7020U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i3 7020U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 7.5 W
Show more

Intel Core i3 7020U vs the average processor

  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Power & Thermal
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 7020U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,356 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 7020U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 7020U has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    April 2018
  • 47.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,300 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 50.1% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (734 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 84.7% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (732 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 75.6% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,569 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • No Turbo Boost
    Intel Core i3 7020U does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 62.5% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 7020U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 7020U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 7020U supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i3 7020U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 7020U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i3 7020U uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 620 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 47.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,300 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,300 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,300 vs 2,483
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 50.1% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (734 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (734 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.734 vs 1,471
  • 84.7% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (732 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (732 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.732 vs 4,793
  • 75.6% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,569 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,569 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,569 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 7020U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 7020U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i3 7020U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 7020U and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 7020U?

  • Excellent for basic office work, web browsing, and streaming services like Netflix.
  • Energy efficient with a low 15W TDP, contributing to better laptop battery life and cooler operation.
  • Great value for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable machine for light daily tasks.
  • Capable of running older or less demanding 'e-sports' titles like Valorant, Rocket League, and Minecraft at playable frame rates.
  • Supports dual-channel DDR4 memory and SSDs, which users report significantly improves responsiveness.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 7020U?

  • Severely limited by having only 2 cores and 4 threads, leading to sluggishness in multitasking or modern heavy software.
  • Poor performance in modern AAA gaming and resource-heavy tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
  • Lacks a 'Turbo Boost' feature, meaning it is locked at its base 2.3 GHz clock speed regardless of the workload.
  • Incompatible with Windows 11 according to several user reports and official requirements.
  • Often paired with slow 5400 RPM hard drives in older budget laptops, causing long boot times and system lag unless upgraded to an SSD.

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
01/03/2026
Intel Core i3-7020U Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i3-7020U is a 7th-generation Kaby Lake dual-core, 15W TDP processor designed for budget, energy-efficient laptops. Geekbench 6 data shows a single-core score of approximately 732, highlighting its limitation to basic computing tasks. While offering integrated HD Graphics 620 capable of 4K output and support for DDR4-2133 memory, the processor lacks Intel Turbo Boost,...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Intel Core i3-7020U @ 2.30GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i3-7020U is a 2018 mobile dual-core Kaby Lake processor designed for entry-level laptops, featuring a 2.30 GHz base frequency, 15W TDP, and integrated HD Graphics 620. It offers reliable performance for basic tasks like web browsing and office applications while supporting DDR4 memory for multitasking. However, it lacks Turbo Boost, resulting in limited performance...Read more

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openbenchmarking.org
Q2 2018
Intel Core i3-7020U Benchmarks, Linux Performance

The Intel Core i3-7020U is a Kaby Lake mobile dual-core processor with a 15W TDP, designed for budget-friendly laptops and entry-level productivity. Lacking Turbo Boost, it operates at a fixed 2.3 GHz, placing it in the 16th percentile for overall performance among processors. The chip includes Intel HD Graphics 620, supporting 4K video playback. Key advantages include high energy...Read more

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cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i3-7020U - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i3-7020U is an entry-level, dual-core Kaby Lake laptop processor offering energy efficiency and capable performance for basic everyday tasks, though it lacks Intel Turbo Boost, limiting it to a fixed 2.3 GHz frequency. Pros include low power consumption suitable for portable devices, while cons involve poor performance in intensive tasks and a lack of official support...Read more

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chip.de
27/07/2019
HP 15-db1002ng (6EZ48EA#ABD) Review - CHIP", "HP 15-db1002ng (6EZ48EA#ABD) Test - CHIP

The HP 15-db1002ng is a budget 15.6-inch laptop offering strong performance via an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U and fast SSD, suitable for office tasks, but it is housed in a cheap, poorly constructed plastic chassis. While the keyboard is comfortable, the laptop suffers from a disappointing touchpad, poor viewing angles on the TN display, and low-quality materials. Ultimately, it is an...Read more

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chip.de
12/09/2019
Lenovo V130-15IKB (81HN00N3GE) Review - CHIP

The Lenovo V130-15IKB (81HN00N3GE) is a budget laptop featuring an Intel Core i3-7020U, 8 GB of RAM, and a fast 256 GB NVMe SSD that provides responsive performance for daily office tasks. Its 15.6-inch matte Full HD display is bright and uses high-frequency PWM, offering comfortable viewing, though the overall build quality is compromised by a cheap, flimsy plastic chassis. The...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
13/05/2019
HP 15 (15-da0000) review: back in time?", "HP 15 (15-da0000) review: did we go back in time?

The HP 15 (15-da0000) is a budget-focused notebook characterized by a flexible, entirely plastic chassis that shows signs of a dated design. While the build quality is flimsy and prone to fingerprints, the device features a surprisingly good, tactile keyboard with a dedicated NumPad for comfortable typing. The 1080p TN display is a major drawback, plagued by poor viewing angles, low...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
03/06/2019
Dell Inspiron 17 3780 review: a very decent budget 17-inch

The Dell Inspiron 17 3780 is reviewed by LaptopMedia as a capable, budget-friendly 17.3-inch multimedia laptop, highlighting its excellent 1080p IPS display (AUO B173HAN01.3) with 93% sRGB coverage, 361-nit brightness, and safe, PWM-free operation. Performance is solid for daily tasks via Intel Core i7-8565U processors, complemented by good serviceability featuring dual RAM slots...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
04/05/2019
HP 250 G7: A Budget Laptop That Delivers

The HP 250 G7 offers exceptional value for budget-conscious users, featuring a range of processor options from Celeron up to quad-core Core i5/i7, along with significant internal expandability, including two RAM slots and M.2 PCIe support. While the device boasts a surprisingly impressive 7+ hour battery life, it compromises on build quality with an entirely plastic chassis, a...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
13/04/2020
ASUS X543 review: highly efficient hardware inside an outdated chassis

The ASUS X543 is an affordable 15.6-inch laptop pairing efficient, low-power hardware like the Pentium Silver N5000 with a dated, entirely plastic chassis that weighs 1.90 kg. Key pros include quiet operation, a comfortable keyboard with long travel and a dedicated NumberPad, and decent connectivity with three USB Type-A ports. However, the device suffers from a lackluster touchpad,...Read more

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id.nl
12/02/2017
Intel 7th Generation Core Processors Review

The Intel 7th-generation Core processors (Kaby Lake) represent a refined "14nm+" process optimized for higher clock speeds rather than a new architecture, featuring a revamped media engine with 10-bit HEVC and VP9 support for superior 4K streaming efficiency. Key pros include improved Speed Shift technology for responsiveness, better battery life during media playback, and continued...Read more

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