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.

Overview

The Core i3-3217UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,362 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-3217UE is positioned at rank #1187 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 i3-3217UE

#1175

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

4850%

#1176

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

4779%

#1177

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

4387%

#1178

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

4367%

#1179

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

4327%

#1181

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

4179%

#1182

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

4007%

#1183

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

4000%

#1184

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3893%

#1187

Core i3-3217UE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

100%

#1188

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

100%

#1189

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

99%

#1190

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

97%

#1193

Celeron 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

93%

#1194

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

93%

#1195

Core 2 Solo SU3500

MSRP: $262|Avg: $15

93%

#1196

Core 2 Duo E8335

MSRP: $200|Avg: $50

90%

#1199

Celeron 560

MSRP: $89|Avg: $5

88%

#1200

Core i3-2312M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

87%

#1201

Celeron 857

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

87%

#1202

Celeron 925

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3217UE 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 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,362, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 353, while multi-core reaches 790.

Specification	Core i3-3217UE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.6 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	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,362
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	353
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	790

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3217UE fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports unknown Dual-channel memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-3217UE
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
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	unknown Dual-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 4000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,QM77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-3217UE is primarily designed for Embedded. Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-3217UE
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Embedded
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3217UE 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: false.

Specification	Core i3-3217UE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	17 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	false

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $225), the Core i3-3217UE delivers 39 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1187 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2855 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3217UE
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$35
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1187
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2855
Release DateLaunch date	1 August 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel