CPU
GPU
Pentium G3260
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 Pentium G3260 is positioned at rank 556 and the Core i7-3517U is on rank 340, so the Core i7-3517U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3260
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3260 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($21) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3260 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($21) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Pentium G3260 and Core i7-3517U
Pentium G3260
The Pentium G3260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.
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
The Pentium G3260 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3517U's 2 cores. The Core i7-3517U is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3260 scores 2,116 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G3260. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Pentium G3260 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.
| Feature | Pentium G3260 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | — | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+74% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | — | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,116 | 2,108 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G3260 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Pentium G3260 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Pentium G3260) / true (Core i7-3517U). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G3260 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Pentium G3260 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Pentium G3260 and Core i7-3517U
