A6-3650 vs Core i7-3517U

CPU

GPU

A6-3650

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2011

Similar parts

·······

Buy on Amazon

Core i7-3517U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3 GHz2012

Similar parts

·······

Buy on Amazon

A6-3650 vs Core i7-3517U Performance Spectrum

A6-3650

4 / 4

2,098

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-3517U

2 / 4

2,108

+0.5%

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.

A6-3650 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.

A6-3650 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.

A6-3650

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3517U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,098 vs 2,108).
❌Launch MSRP is still $115 MSRP, while Core i7-3517U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-3650.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517U better than A6-3650?

Yes. Core i7-3517U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 0.9% 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 0.5% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3517U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $115 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. A6-3650 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (18.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FM1.

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

Core i7-3517U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-3650 vs Core i7-3517U Technical Specifications

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

A6-3650

The A6-3650 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,098 points. Launch price was $70.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-3650 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3517U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the A6-3650 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The A6-3650 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3650 scores 2,098 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-3650 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.

Feature	A6-3650	Core i7-3517U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3 GHz+15%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+37%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,098	2,108
Geekbench 6 Single	311	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-3650 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A6-3650 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3517U — the A6-3650 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A6-3650) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).

Feature	A6-3650	Core i7-3517U
Socket	FM1	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-3650) vs true (Core i7-3517U). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6530D (A6-3650) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3650 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-3650 rivals Pentium G850; Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.