Core i7-3517U vs Pentium G2140

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 i7-3517U vs Pentium G2140 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 i7-3517U vs Pentium G2140: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G2140.

Pentium G2140

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i7-3517U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,092 vs 2,108).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Core i7-3517U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517U better than Pentium G2140?

Yes. Core i7-3517U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3517U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 i7-3517U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-3517U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3517U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G2140 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G2140 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3517U vs Pentium G2140 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G2140

The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2140's 2 cores. The Core i7-3517U is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-3517U scores 2,108 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3517U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.

Feature	Core i7-3517U	Pentium G2140
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	3.3 GHz+74%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	2,108	2,092
Geekbench 6 Single	—	550
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	920

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2140 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).

Feature	Core i7-3517U	Pentium G2140
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3517U) vs VT-x (Pentium G2140). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G2140) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.