CPU
GPU
Core i7-640M
Core i7-3517U
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 i7-640M is positioned at rank 107 and the Core i7-3517U is on rank 340, so the Core i7-640M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640M
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-640M | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-640M | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i7-640M and Core i7-3517U
Core i7-640M
The Core i7-640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $346.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-640M and Core i7-3517U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 14.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i7-640M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-640M scores 2,092 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3517U. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-640M | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+15% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+47% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,092 | 2,108 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i7-640M versus 1600 on the Core i7-3517U — the Core i7-3517U supports 40.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).
| Feature | Core i7-640M | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066 | 1600+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 32+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3517U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600; Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core i7-640M | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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