
Core i7-3517UE vs Xeon E5440

Core i7-3517UE

Xeon E5440
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 Xeon E5440 is on rank 1008, so the Xeon E5440 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 Xeon E5440
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3517UE | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3517UE | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($37) |
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 Xeon E5440

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.

Xeon E5440
The Xeon E5440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 0.83 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $690.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3517UE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5440 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5440 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-3517UE versus 0.83 GHz on the Xeon E5440 — a 108.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517UE (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.83 GHz). The Core i7-3517UE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5440 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3517UE scores 2,384 against the Xeon E5440's 2,367 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3517UE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517UE vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5440.
| Feature | Core i7-3517UE | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+237% | 0.83 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 2.83 GHz+66% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 12 MB L2 Cache+200% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Harpertown (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,384 | 2,367 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3517UE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5440 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3517UE | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA771 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3517UE launched at $330 MSRP, while the Xeon E5440 debuted at $690. At current prices ($35 vs $37), the Core i7-3517UE is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3517UE delivers 68.1 pts/$ vs 64.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5440 — making the Core i7-3517UE the 6.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3517UE | Xeon E5440 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $330-52% | $690 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35-5% | $37 |
| Performance per Dollar | 68.1+6% | 64.0 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2007 |
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