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.

Celeron B815 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.

Celeron B815 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.

Celeron B815

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,093 vs 2,108).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i7-3517U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517U better than Celeron B815?

Yes. Core i7-3517U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 2.5% 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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

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 $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron B815 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (24.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron B815 vs Core i7-3517U Technical Specifications

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

Celeron B815

The Celeron B815 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $86.

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

The Celeron B815 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3517U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Celeron B815 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 60.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Celeron B815 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron B815 scores 2,093 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron B815 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.

Feature	Celeron B815	Core i7-3517U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	3 GHz+87%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	1.9 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,093	2,108

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron B815 uses the PGA988 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 DDR3-1333 on the Celeron B815 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3517U — the Core i7-3517U supports 20% 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: HM65,HM67,QM67,QM77 (Celeron B815) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).

Feature	Celeron B815	Core i7-3517U
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron B815) vs true (Core i7-3517U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron B815) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron B815 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron B815 rivals Pentium 967; Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.