Core i7-3517U vs Turion II Ultra M600

Intel

Core i7-3517U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Turion II Ultra M600

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Core i7-3517U vs Turion II Ultra M600 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-3517U vs Turion II Ultra M600 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 Turion II Ultra M600: 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

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Turion II Ultra M600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,108 vs 2,120).
  • 25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Turion II Ultra M600

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3517U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion II Ultra M600 better than Core i7-3517U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3517U is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion II Ultra M600 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Turion II Ultra M600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Turion II Ultra M600 still makes the most sense overall. Turion II Ultra M600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3517U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3517U vs Turion II Ultra M600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Turion II Ultra M600

The Turion II Ultra M600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,120 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3517U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II Ultra M600's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U versus 2.4 GHz on the Turion II Ultra M600 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U. The Core i7-3517U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion II Ultra M600 uses Caspian (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3517U scores 2,108 against the Turion II Ultra M600's 2,120 — a 0.6% lead for the Turion II Ultra M600.

FeatureCore i7-3517UTurion II Ultra M600
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3 GHz+25%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
1.9 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+12700%
2 MB
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Caspian (2009)
PassMark
2,108
2,120
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3517U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Turion II Ultra M600 uses S1g3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3517UTurion II Ultra M600
Socket
BGA1023
S1g3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
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 (Turion II Ultra M600). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Turion II Ultra M600 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.

FeatureCore i7-3517UTurion II Ultra M600
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true