Core i7-3517U vs Core 2 Duo T6400
Core i7-3517U
Core 2 Duo T6400
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 Core 2 Duo T6400 is on rank 49, so the Core 2 Duo T6400 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 Core 2 Duo T6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3517U | Core 2 Duo T6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3517U | Core 2 Duo T6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Core 2 Duo T6400
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.
Core 2 Duo T6400
The Core 2 Duo T6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,115 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T6400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6400 — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-3517U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T6400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3517U scores 2,108 against the Core 2 Duo T6400's 2,115 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6400. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6400.
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | Core 2 Duo T6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+50% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz | 2 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,108 | 2,115 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 650 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,300 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo T6400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3517U versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T6400 — the Core i7-3517U supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-3517U) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo T6400) — the Core i7-3517U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U) and Intel GM45,Intel PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6400).
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | Core 2 Duo T6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+79900% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 8 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3517U) vs No (Core 2 Duo T6400). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T6400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6400 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core i7-3517U | Core 2 Duo T6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | No |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
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