3015Ce vs Core i7-3517U

3015Ce vs Core i7-3517U Performance Spectrum

3015Ce

2 / 4

2,099

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-3517U

2 / 4

2,108

+0.4%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

3015Ce vs Core i7-3517U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3015Ce vs Core i7-3517U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3015Ce

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,099 vs 2,108).
❌Launch MSRP is still $150 MSRP, while Core i7-3517U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517U better than 3015Ce?

Yes. Core i7-3517U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3517U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3517U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3517U is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3517U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. 3015Ce only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 2.8% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

3015Ce makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3015Ce vs Core i7-3517U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

3015Ce

The 3015Ce is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,099 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i7-3517U

The Core i7-3517U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,108 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the 3015Ce and Core i7-3517U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the 3015Ce versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 26.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The 3015Ce uses the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the 3015Ce scores 2,099 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3015Ce vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.

Feature	3015Ce	Core i7-3517U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3 GHz+30%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	1.9 GHz+58%
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Pollock (Zen) (2020)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,099	2,108

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Memory & Platform

The 3015Ce uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (3015Ce) vs 2 (Core i7-3517U). PCIe lanes: 8 (3015Ce) vs 16 (Core i7-3517U) — the Core i7-3517U offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FP5 (3015Ce) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).

Feature	3015Ce	Core i7-3517U
Socket	FT5	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16	32+100%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon Graphics (2-Core) (3015Ce) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: 3015Ce rivals Celeron N4020; Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.