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Overview

The Core i3-3217U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-3217U is positioned at rank #684 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3217U

#672

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

957%

#673

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

943%

#674

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

866%

#675

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

862%

#676

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

854%

#678

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

825%

#679

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

791%

#680

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

790%

#681

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

768%

#684

Core i3-3217U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#695

Processor N95

MSRP: $160|Avg: $80

98%

#699

Athlon Silver 3050e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-3217U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-3217U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3217U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.8 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,226, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-3217U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,226

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3217U fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600 memory at speeds up to 1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-3217U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1023
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD A6-4455M.

Specification	Core i3-3217U
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD A6-4455M

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3217U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

Specification	Core i3-3217U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	false
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Integrated

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #684 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2930 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3217U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#684
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2930
Release DateLaunch date	1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel