Core 2 Duo T6670 vs Core i7-3517UE

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 T6670 vs Core i7-3517UE 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 T6670 vs Core i7-3517UE: 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 T6670

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 17W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,365 vs 2,384).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3517UE

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $330 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T6670 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌750% higher power demand at 17W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517UE better than Core 2 Duo T6670?

Yes. Core i7-3517UE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% 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 i7-3517UE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 i7-3517UE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% 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 i7-3517UE is the better buy right now. Core i7-3517UE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $330 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3517UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009), 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.

Core 2 Duo T6670 vs Core i7-3517UE Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T6670

The Core 2 Duo T6670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,365 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i7-3517UE

The Core i7-3517UE 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 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,384 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T6670 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3517UE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6670 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-3517UE — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517UE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6670 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3517UE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6670 scores 2,365 against the Core i7-3517UE's 2,384 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3517UE. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6670 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517UE.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6670	Core i7-3517UE
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+29%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,365	2,384
Geekbench 6 Single	252	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	252	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6670 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3517UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6670	Core i7-3517UE
Socket	PGA478	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6670) / not specified (Core i7-3517UE). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6670 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6670 rivals Core 2 Duo T6600.