Core i5-3337U vs Core i7-3517U

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 i5-3337U vs Core i7-3517U 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 i5-3337U vs Core i7-3517U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3337U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,093 vs 2,108).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-3517U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517U better than Core i5-3337U?

Yes. Core i7-3517U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3517U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i7-3517U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-3517U is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3517U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3337U only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 1.7% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i5-3337U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3337U vs Core i7-3517U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3337U

The Core i5-3337U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 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 2.7 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: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3337U and Core i7-3517U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-3337U versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3337U scores 2,093 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Core i7-3517U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3 GHz+11%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	1.9 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,093	2,108

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1023 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3337U) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Core i7-3517U
Socket	BGA1023	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32	32
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3337U) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M; Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.