Core i3-3217UE vs Pentium 3560M

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 i3-3217UE vs Pentium 3560M 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 i3-3217UE vs Pentium 3560M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3217UE

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 512W, a 495W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium 3560M needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Pentium 3560M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 3560M

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,345 vs 1,362).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌2911.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3217UE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3217UE better than Pentium 3560M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium 3560M is ahead with 50% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217UE pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark. Core i3-3217UE also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3217UE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-3217UE is the better buy right now. Core i3-3217UE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Pentium 3560M is still the better pure gaming CPU with 50% higher max boost clock. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium 3560M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3217UE vs Pentium 3560M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3217UE

The Core i3-3217UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,362 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium 3560M

The Pentium 3560M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,345 points. Launch price was $134.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3217UE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 3560M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Core i3-3217UE versus 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 3560M — a 40% clock advantage for the Pentium 3560M. The Core i3-3217UE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium 3560M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3217UE scores 1,362 against the Pentium 3560M's 1,345 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-3217UE. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3217UE vs 2 MB on the Pentium 3560M.

Feature	Core i3-3217UE	Pentium 3560M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	2.4 GHz+50%
Base Clock	—	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,362+1%	1,345
Geekbench 6 Single	353	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	790	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3217UE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium 3560M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3217UE	Pentium 3560M
Socket	BGA1023	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-3217UE) / not specified (Pentium 3560M). The Core i3-3217UE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium 3560M requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3217UE targets Embedded.