Core i5-661 vs Core i7-3517UE

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 i5-661 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 i5-661 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 i5-661

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $134 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $330 MSRP).
✅Delivers 68.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.2 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $330 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌411.8% higher power demand at 87W vs 17W.

Core i7-3517UE

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 87W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,384 vs 2,387).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 12.2 PassMark/$ ($330 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-661 better than Core i7-3517UE?

Yes. Core i5-661 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-661 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 i5-661 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-661 is the better buy right now. Core i5-661 comes in $134 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $330 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 68.6% better value on MSRP (12.2 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3517UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-661 vs Core i7-3517UE Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-661 was priced at $196, while the Core i7-3517UE came in at $330. On launch pricing ($196 vs $330), Core i5-661 was $134 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-661 delivers 12.2 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-3517UE — making the Core i5-661 the 51.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-661	Core i7-3517UE
MSRP	$196-41%	$330
Performance per Dollar	12.2+69%	7.2
Release Date	2010	2012

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