CPU
GPU
Core i7-2617M
A6-7400K
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 i7-2617M is positioned at rank 287 and the A6-7400K is on rank 869, so the Core i7-2617M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2617M
Performance Per Dollar A6-7400K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2617M | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2617M | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) |
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 i7-2617M and A6-7400K
Core i7-2617M
The Core i7-2617M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,687 points. Launch price was $100.
A6-7400K
The A6-7400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,678 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2617M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-7400K's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-2617M versus 3.9 GHz on the A6-7400K — a 40% clock advantage for the A6-7400K (base: 1.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-2617M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A6-7400K uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2617M scores 1,687 against the A6-7400K's 1,678 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-2617M.
| Feature | Core i7-2617M | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 1.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+133% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1024 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,687 | 1,678 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 448 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2617M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A6-7400K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2617M versus 1866 on the A6-7400K — the A6-7400K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-7400K supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67,UM67 (Core i7-2617M) and FM2+ (A6-7400K).
| Feature | Core i7-2617M | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+26214300% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2617M) vs true (A6-7400K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2617M) and Radeon R5 Graphics (A6-7400K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2617M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-2617M rivals A6-3400M; A6-7400K rivals Pentium G3420.
| Feature | Core i7-2617M | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon R5 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Ultrabook | — |
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