Core i5-3317U vs Phenom II X4 805

Intel

Core i5-3317U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 805

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-3317U vs Phenom II X4 805 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-3317U vs Phenom II X4 805 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 i5-3317U vs Phenom II X4 805: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3317U

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom II X4 805 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • 438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom II X4 805

2009

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,001 vs 2,014).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3317U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3317U better than Phenom II X4 805?
Yes. Core i5-3317U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i5-3317U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i5-3317U 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?
Core i5-3317U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-3317U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-3317U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3317U vs Phenom II X4 805 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-3317U

The Core i5-3317U 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 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.

AMD

Phenom II X4 805

The Phenom II X4 805 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 9 February 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,001 points. Launch price was $174.

Processing Power

The Core i5-3317U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 805 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 805 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom II X4 805 — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3317U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-3317U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3317U scores 2,014 against the Phenom II X4 805's 2,001 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-3317U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3317U vs 4 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 805.

FeatureCore i5-3317UPhenom II X4 805
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+4%
2.5 GHz
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
2.5 GHz+47%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,014
2,001
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3317U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3317UPhenom II X4 805
Socket
BGA1023
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1600
Max RAM Capacity
32
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3317U) / not specified (Phenom II X4 805). The Core i5-3317U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X4 805 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.

FeatureCore i5-3317UPhenom II X4 805
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true