Core i7-3517UE vs Core i5-661
Core i7-3517UE
Core i5-661
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 i7-3517UE is positioned at rank 1154 and the Core i5-661 is on rank 959, so the Core i5-661 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517UE
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-661
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3517UE | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3517UE | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
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 i7-3517UE and Core i5-661
Core i7-3517UE
The Core i7-3517UE 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 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,384 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i5-661
The Core i5-661 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3517UE and Core i5-661 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-3517UE versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 — a 25% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-3517UE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-661 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3517UE scores 2,384 against the Core i5-661's 2,387 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-661. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-3517UE | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 3.33 GHz+96% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,384 | 2,387 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3517UE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-661 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3517UE | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3517UE launched at $330 MSRP, while the Core i5-661 debuted at $196. At current prices ($35 vs $40), the Core i7-3517UE is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3517UE delivers 68.1 pts/$ vs 59.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-661 — making the Core i7-3517UE the 13.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3517UE | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $330 | $196-41% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35-13% | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 68.1+14% | 59.7 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2010 |
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