Core i7-3517U vs Pentium G3440T

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 G3440T 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 G3440T: 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 G3440T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Pentium G3440T

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,107 vs 2,108).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3517U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3517U better than Pentium G3440T?

Yes. Core i7-3517U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% 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 0.7% 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% 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 still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3517U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Pentium G3440T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3517U vs Pentium G3440T 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 G3440T

The Pentium G3440T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,107 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3440T'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 G3440T's 2,107 — a 0% 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 G3440T.

Feature	Core i7-3517U	Pentium G3440T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.8 GHz+47%
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	2,107

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3440T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3517U	Pentium G3440T
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 G3440T). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G3440T requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.