CPU
GPU
Core i7-3517U
Celeron B815
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 Celeron B815 is on rank 799, 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 Celeron B815
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3517U | Celeron B815 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3517U | Celeron B815 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
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 Celeron B815
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.
Celeron B815
The Celeron B815 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $86.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron B815's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U versus 1.6 GHz on the Celeron B815 — a 60.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i7-3517U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Celeron B815 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3517U scores 2,108 against the Celeron B815's 2,093 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron B815.
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | Celeron B815 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+87% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz+19% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,108 | 2,093 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron B815 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3517U versus DDR3-1333 on the Celeron B815 — 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 HM65,HM67,QM67,QM77 (Celeron B815).
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | Celeron B815 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1333 |
| 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 VT-x (Celeron B815). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) and HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron B815) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron B815 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M; Celeron B815 rivals Pentium 967.
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | Celeron B815 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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