Core i7-3517U vs A6-3650
Core i7-3517U
A6-3650
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 i7-3517U is positioned at rank 340 and the A6-3650 is on rank 832, so the Core i7-3517U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517U
Performance Per Dollar A6-3650
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3517U | A6-3650 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3517U | A6-3650 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 i7-3517U and A6-3650
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.
A6-3650
The A6-3650 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,098 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A6-3650 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U versus 2.6 GHz on the A6-3650 — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-3517U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the A6-3650 uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3517U scores 2,108 against the A6-3650's 2,098 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U vs 0 kB on the A6-3650.
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | A6-3650 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+15% | 2.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz | 2.6 GHz+37% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,108 | 2,098 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 311 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A6-3650 uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3517U versus DDR3-1866 on the A6-3650 — the Core i7-3517U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U) and A55,A75 (A6-3650).
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | A6-3650 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 16 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3517U) vs AMD-V (A6-3650). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) and Radeon HD 6530D (A6-3650) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3650 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M; A6-3650 rivals Pentium G850.
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | A6-3650 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon HD 6530D |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
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