Core i3-3217U vs Pentium E6700

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 i3-3217U vs Pentium E6700 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 i3-3217U vs Pentium E6700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3217U

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium E6700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Pentium E6700

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,219 vs 1,226).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i3-3217U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3217U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E6700 better than Core i3-3217U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium E6700 is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217U pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium E6700 is the better buy right now. Pentium E6700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-3217U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3217U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) 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 i3-3217U vs Pentium E6700 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3217U

The Core i3-3217U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium E6700

The Pentium E6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,219 points. Launch price was $80.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3217U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium E6700's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core i3-3217U versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium E6700 — a 56% clock advantage for the Pentium E6700 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-3217U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium E6700 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3217U scores 1,226 against the Pentium E6700's 1,219 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3217U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3217U vs 0 kB on the Pentium E6700.

Feature	Core i3-3217U	Pentium E6700
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+78%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+78%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (total)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,226	1,219

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3217U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium E6700 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i3-3217U versus DDR3-1066 on the Pentium E6700 — the Core i3-3217U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3217U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3217U) vs 0 (Pentium E6700) — the Core i3-3217U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-3217U	Pentium E6700
Socket	BGA1023	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-3217U) vs VT-x (Pentium E6700). The Core i3-3217U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium E6700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium E6700 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M.