Core 2 Duo T5900 vs Core i7-3517U

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.

Core 2 Duo T5900 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.

Core 2 Duo T5900 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.

Core 2 Duo T5900

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3517U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo T5900 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,108 vs 2,123).
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T5900 better than Core i7-3517U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3517U is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5900 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T5900 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T5900 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.

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 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T5900 vs Core i7-3517U Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5900

The Core 2 Duo T5900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,123 points. Launch price was $249.

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 Core 2 Duo T5900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3517U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5900 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 30.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U. The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5900 scores 2,123 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5900.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5900	Core i7-3517U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3 GHz+36%
Base Clock	—	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,123	2,108

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5900	Core i7-3517U
Socket	P	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5900) / true (Core i7-3517U). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T5900 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.