Core i7-3517U vs Pentium G3260

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 G3260 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 G3260: 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).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium G3260 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,108 vs 2,116).
❌866% higher power demand at 512W vs 53W.

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 53W instead of 512W, a 459W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i7-3517U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3517U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3260 better than Core i7-3517U?

Yes. Pentium G3260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Pentium G3260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3260 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3260 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (33.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3517U vs Pentium G3260 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 G3260

The Pentium G3260 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. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3260'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 G3260's 2,116 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G3260. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Core i7-3517U	Pentium G3260
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
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	2,108	2,116

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3517U	Pentium G3260
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-3517U) / not specified (Pentium G3260). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G3260 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.