Intel Core i7 3517U Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£310
  • Avg. price in US: ~$350
  • PassMark benchmark result: 2104
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.0 GHz

Intel Core i7 3517U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

2.9

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%

2.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very poor
2.9

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%

1.7

Performance

18.0%

4.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.5

Platform

1.0%

5.9

Integrated Graphics

Very 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

  • 1.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £310

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 i7-3517U is a third-generation dual-core processor from the Ivy Bridge family, built on a 22nm lithography and designed for ultra-thin laptops and ultrabooks. It features a base clock speed of 1.90 GHz with a Max Turbo Frequency of up to 3.00 GHz, alongside four threads via Hyper-Threading and a 4 MB Smart Cache. Its main advantages include a low 17W Thermal Design Power (TDP) for better battery life and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 for basic multimedia tasks. However, its primary drawbacks are its aging architecture that limits performance in modern demanding applications and its restriction to just two physical cores, which can hinder heavy multitasking and high-end gaming by today's standards.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3517U

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

2.9
Intel Core i7 3517U has a technical score of 2.89 points, which is lower than that of 99.7% 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 i7 3517U 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%

2.9

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

4.7
Intel Core i7 3517U has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.7 points, which is lower than 99.3% 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 i7 3517U 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

FCBGA1023
Intel Core i7 3517U uses the FCBGA1023 CPU socket, which is older than that of 97.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% 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

QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75
Intel Core i7 3517U supports QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 54.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
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 i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U 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

3.0 GHz
Intel Core i7 3517U reaches a boost clock of 3.0 GHz which is lower than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
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 1.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 3517U has a base clock of 2x1.9 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

22 nm
Intel Core i7 3517U uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% 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 22 nm
Intel Core i7 3517U is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% 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

4 MB
Intel Core i7 3517U has an L3 cache of 4 MB which is smaller than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.6% 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 i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U 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

DDR3
Intel Core i7 3517U supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% 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

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3517U supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% 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

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3517U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% 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 i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U 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 4000
Intel Core i7 3517U uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 69.5% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% 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

16
Intel Core i7 3517U has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% 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

350 MHz
Intel Core i7 3517U has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% 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

VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 3517U supports VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 82.1% of processors and equal to 3.6% 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

17 W
Intel Core i7 3517U has a TDP of 17 W which is lower than that of 76.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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

17 W
Intel Core i7 3517U has a base power of 17 W which is lower than that of 75.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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

21.25 W
Intel Core i7 3517U has a boost power of 21.25 W which is lower than that of 92.4% of processors.
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

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 3517U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
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

no
Intel Core i7 3517U does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i7 3517U vs the average processor

  • 66.8% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (21.3 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    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

    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (21.3 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.21.25 W vs 64 W
  • 33.7% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².118 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 62.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (17 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 i7 3517U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.17 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i7 3517U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 62.2% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower TDP than the average processor (17 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 i7 3517U has a lower TDP than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.17 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3517U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 3517U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 33.7% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3517U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 66.8% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (21.3 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 62.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 62.2% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower TDP than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 3517U has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
    June 2012
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 3517U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 3517U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,023 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 3517U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 69.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (450 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 46.7% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,324 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 83.2% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (467 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 30.2% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3517U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 90.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (453 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 53.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (223 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 80% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,104 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 3517U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 9 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (19 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 3517U 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.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U 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.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 3517U uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 50% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i7 3517U uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3517U supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older PCIe version
    Intel Core i7 3517U supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3.0).
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 3517U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 3517U uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 3517U does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 69.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (450 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 i7 3517U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (450 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.450 vs 1,471
  • 46.7% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,324 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 i7 3517U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,324 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,324 vs 2,483
  • 83.2% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (467 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (467 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.467 vs 2,783
  • 30.2% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    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

    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3517U 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 i7 3517U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 90.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (453 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 i7 3517U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (453 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.453 vs 4,793
  • 53.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (223 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (223 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.223 vs 484
  • 80% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3517U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,104 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 i7 3517U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,104 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,104 vs 10,532.5

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3517U and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3517U?

  • Energy efficient Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) design with a low 17W TDP, making it ideal for thin ultrabooks
  • Hyper-Threading technology effectively doubles the 2 physical cores to 4 threads for better multitasking
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and watching high-definition video
  • Turbo Boost capability allows the clock speed to reach up to 3.0 GHz for short bursts of intensive work
  • Integrated HD Graphics 4000 is sufficient for basic multimedia and older or less demanding games

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3517U?

  • Outdated Ivy Bridge architecture (2012) that struggles significantly with modern, resource-heavy software
  • Dual-core limitation makes it a poor choice for modern AAA gaming or professional video editing
  • Prone to thermal throttling and overheating in thin laptop chassis during sustained high-load tasks
  • Integrated graphics performance is very low by current standards, requiring 'low' settings even for older titles
  • Locked multiplier prevents any meaningful overclocking to improve performance

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026

The Intel Core i7-3517U is a 22nm "Ivy Bridge" dual-core mobile processor designed for ultrabooks, featuring a 1.90 GHz base clock with 3.00 GHz Turbo Boost and a low 17W TDP. Pros include high power efficiency for thin devices and decent media capabilities for its era, while significant cons in modern contexts are its limited 2-core/4-thread design and very low current performance...Read more

C
cnet.com
30/05/2012

The CNET hands-on review of Intel's third-generation "Ivy Bridge" processors highlights a significant shift, bringing 22-nanometer 3D transistor technology and improved performance to mainstream ultrabooks. A major pro is the new Intel HD 4000 graphics, which nearly doubled gaming performance in testing compared to older models. The architecture also enables superior multitasking,...Read more

T
techradar.com
08/10/2013

The TechRadar review of the Asus Transformer Book TX300 highlights a premium hybrid featuring an exceptional aluminum-clad chassis, a high-quality backlit keyboard, and a vibrant Full HD IPS display. It effectively acts as a high-end Ultrabook, utilizing a unique dual-storage system with a fast SSD in the tablet and a 500GB HDD in the keyboard dock. Key drawbacks identified include...Read more

T
techradar.com
19/12/2012

The TechRadar review describes the Dell Inspiron 15z as a versatile, "jack-of-all-trades" family laptop, offering reliable performance for daily tasks with a focus on value over portability. Powered by an Intel Core i7-3517U processor and 6GB of RAM, the unit handles multitasking well, while featuring a hybrid storage setup with a 32GB SSD for fast booting and comprehensive...Read more

C
cnet.com
31/10/2012

The CNET review of the 11.6-inch Acer Aspire S7-191 highlights a premium Windows 8 ultrabook featuring a striking design, high-end components, and a brilliant Full HD IPS touchscreen. Its performance is accelerated by dual 128GB SSDs in a RAID 0 configuration, offering exceptional storage speed. The device is praised for its thin, light build and superior display, making it a strong...Read more

T
techradar.com
06/12/2012

The Asus Taichi is a unique Windows 8 hybrid featuring two 11.6-inch Full HD 1080p displays—a matte internal screen and a glossy, multi-touch external screen—housed in a premium, brushed metal chassis. It offers strong performance with an Intel Core i7-3517U processor and a 256GB SSD, providing versatility for transitioning between laptop and tablet modes. However, the device is...Read more

C
cnet.com
24/06/2012

The Asus ZenBook Prime UX31A improves upon its predecessor with a superior 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display, upgraded Ivy Bridge processor, and a refined backlit keyboard and touchpad. Retaining a sleek aluminum chassis, the laptop offers strong performance for an ultralight device, fixing previous usability flaws while keeping a premium design. CNETWhile the screen and performance are...Read more

T
techradar.com
11/09/2012

The Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A is positioned as a premium "MacBook Air killer," featuring a standout 13.3-inch 1080p IPS screen praised for excellent brightness, color, and viewing angles. This iteration improves on its predecessor with a superior backlit keyboard and a more reliable trackpad. Performance is a major strength, with the Ivy Bridge processor and SSD allowing for quick...Read more

T
techradar.com
26/11/2012

The Dell XPS 12 (2014) features a high-quality, rigid carbon fiber and aluminum chassis with a unique 12.5-inch rotating Full HD touchscreen, offering excellent build quality and a comfortable, backlit island-style keyboard. Updated Intel Haswell processors deliver robust performance for tasks like photo editing alongside improved battery life, while the fast SSD and 8GB of RAM,...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
22/09/2013

The CPU-Z validation for an Intel Core i7-3517U processor on an Asus K56CA laptop highlights a 22nm Ivy Bridge dual-core unit running at 2793 MHz, coupled with 6GB DDR3-1600 memory and a hybrid storage system. This 2012-era mobile processor is paired with Windows 10, showing that despite its age, it remains functional and stable with a 76°C operating temperature under load. Pros for...Read more

J
journaldugeek.com
17/08/2012

The Asus Zenbook Prime UX21A features a premium 17mm, 1.1kg aluminum chassis with Ivy Bridge processors, offering a 1080p matte IPS display and a improved backlit keyboard. Pros include a high-resolution, sharp screen and strong performance for an 11-inch device, according to the Journal du Geek review. However, limitations include limited connectivity requiring adapters, and an...Read more

T
tomshw.it
05/03/2012

The 2012 Ivy Bridge MacBook Air and competing Ultrabooks marked a performance leap with Intel HD Graphics 4000, bringing DirectX 11 support and improved efficiency. The MacBook Air, in particular, excelled in storage speed and processor benchmarks compared to Windows alternatives, setting a high standard for thin-and-light computing. While primarily productivity devices, these...Read more

Compare Intel Core i7 3517U with other processors

VS
VS

Compare