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 i3-3245 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 i3-3245 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 i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $210 less on MSRP ($120 MSRP vs $330 MSRP).
✅Delivers 178.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $330 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-3517UE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌223.5% higher power demand at 55W vs 17W.

Core i7-3517UE

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 55W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-3245 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,384 vs 2,412).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($330 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3245 better than Core i7-3517UE?

Yes. Core i3-3245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% 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 i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.0% 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 i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3245 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3245 comes in $210 cheaper on MSRP at $120 MSRP versus $330 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 178.2% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3245 vs Core i7-3517UE Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

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

Both the Core i3-3245 and Core i7-3517UE share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i7-3517UE is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Core i7-3517UE's 2,384 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517UE.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i7-3517UE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	—	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+100%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	—	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,412+1%	2,384

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3517UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i7-3517UE
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-3245) / not specified (Core i7-3517UE). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-3517UE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i7-3517UE
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3245 was priced at $120, while the Core i7-3517UE came in at $330. On launch pricing ($120 vs $330), Core i3-3245 was $210 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3245 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-3517UE — making the Core i3-3245 the 94.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i7-3517UE
MSRP	$120-64%	$330
Performance per Dollar	20.1+179%	7.2
Release Date	2013	2012

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