Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs Core i7-3517U
Core 2 Quad Q6700
Core i7-3517U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Quad Q6700 is positioned at rank 1079 and the Core i7-3517U is on rank 340, so the Core i7-3517U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q6700
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q6700 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Kentsfield (2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q6700 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Quad Q6700 and Core i7-3517U
Core 2 Quad Q6700
The Core 2 Quad Q6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Kentsfield (2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 8 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 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.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q6700 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3517U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q6700 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 11.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the Kentsfield (2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 scores 2,092 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q6700 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz | 3 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+40% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8 MB (total)+3100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 22 nm-66% |
| Architecture | Kentsfield (2007) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,092 | 2,108 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3517U — the Core i7-3517U supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Quad Q6700) vs 16 (Core i7-3517U) — the Core i7-3517U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P45,G45 (Core 2 Quad Q6700) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q6700 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1600+79900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+26214300% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q6700) vs true (Core i7-3517U). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q6700 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
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