Core i5-661 vs Core i7-3517UE
Core i5-661
Core i7-3517UE
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-661 is positioned at rank 959 and the Core i7-3517UE is on rank 1154, so the Core i5-661 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-661
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517UE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-661 | Core i7-3517UE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-661 | Core i7-3517UE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-661 and Core i7-3517UE
Core i5-661
The Core i5-661 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-661 and Core i7-3517UE share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-3517UE — a 25% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i5-661 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3517UE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-661 scores 2,387 against the Core i7-3517UE's 2,384 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-661. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i7-3517UE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+29% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz+96% | 1.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,387 | 2,384 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-661 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3517UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i7-3517UE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-661 launched at $196 MSRP, while the Core i7-3517UE debuted at $330. At current prices ($40 vs $35), the Core i7-3517UE is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-661 delivers 59.7 pts/$ vs 68.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-3517UE — making the Core i7-3517UE the 13.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i7-3517UE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196-41% | $330 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $35-13% |
| Performance per Dollar | 59.7 | 68.1+14% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2012 |
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