Core i3-7020U
Intel
PassMark
2,567
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.
Overview
The Core i3-7020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,567 points. Launch price was $281.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i3-7020U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Deadlock
Delta Force
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Stardew Valley
Starfield
Throne and Liberty
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i3-7020U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7020U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,567, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i3-7020U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.3 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 3 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512 kB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 2,567 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7020U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.
| Specification | Core i3-7020U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i3 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | BGA1356 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The Core i3-7020U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i3-7020U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #2367 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i3-7020U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $281 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2367 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 10 April 2018 (7 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core i3 |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $281 |
| Release Date | 10 April 2018 (7 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2367 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Bus Type | OPI |
| L1 Cache | 128 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB |
| Bus Speed | 4 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 23 |
| Max Frequency | 2.3 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.3 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | BGA1356 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 15 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 34.134 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i3-7020U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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