Intel Core i7-3517U

The Intel Core i7-3517U is a dual-core mobile processor from Intel's Ivy Bridge family, fabricated on a 22 nm process with a 118 mm² die. It operates at a base clock of 1900 MHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz, with four threads via Hyper-Threading. Its 17W TDP and integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics target thin-and-light laptops. The cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, plus a 4 MB shared L3. In the benchmark database, it holds a 15th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 636.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i7-3517U's benchmark results reveal a pronounced split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 253, while the multi-core score reaches 1796. The Geekbench results show a similar pattern: 448 single-core and 914 multi-core. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 754 and the single-core score is 106. These numbers indicate that the processor's two physical cores, augmented by four threads, deliver a substantial multi-threaded advantage over its own single-thread capability, but the absolute values are low by modern standards.

The single-core performance is constrained by the 1900 MHz base clock and 3.00 GHz boost, which, while respectable for a 17W part, cannot compensate for the architectural limitations of the Ivy Bridge design. The multi-core scores benefit from the additional threads, allowing the CPU to handle parallel workloads such as light video encoding or compilation with better efficiency than its single-thread results would suggest. However, the gap between single and multi scores—1796 vs 253 in R23—means that workloads with a single dominant thread will leave most of the processor's capacity idle. The 4 MB shared L3 cache provides a moderate buffer for frequently accessed data, but its size is typical for a dual-core part.

For real-world use, this split suggests that the i7-3517U is better suited to tasks that can leverage multiple threads, such as background rendering or multitasking with several applications, rather than latency-sensitive single-threaded applications like high-refresh-rate gaming. The Geekbench multi-core score of 914 is roughly double the single-core 448, indicating a reasonable scaling for a dual-core with four threads, but the low absolute scores place it in the lower performance tier. The 15th percentile ranking confirms that the vast majority of CPUs in the database outperform it in both categories.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Core i7-3517U is designed for mobile environments, as indicated by its 17W TDP and the "Mobile" market segment. This TDP is a key specification for thermal management; it allows the processor to be cooled by a low-profile fan or even passive solutions in some chassis, though the exact cooling solution depends on the system design. The 22 nm process node and 118 mm² die size contribute to the chip's power efficiency, enabling a balance between performance and battery life.

The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics are part of the same package, and their power draw is included within the 17W envelope. This means that the entire processor-plus-graphics solution fits within a tight thermal budget, making it suitable for ultra-portable laptops where space and cooling are at a premium. The socket is Intel BGA 1023, which is a soldered design, so the CPU is not upgradeable; this further emphasizes its role in sealed, thin systems. The dual-channel memory bus, while not quantified in bandwidth, supports adequate throughput for its performance class.

For thermal management, the 17W TDP implies that a modest cooling solution—such as a small heat pipe and fan—will suffice. The dual-core design generates less heat than higher-core-count parts, and the 22nm lithography reduces leakage. In practice, the i7-3517U should maintain stable clocks under sustained loads, though the boost clock of 3.00 GHz may only be achievable in short bursts depending on the system's thermal headroom.

Who Should Consider It

Given the benchmark data, the i7-3517U is not aimed at power users. Its 15th percentile ranking and average score of 636 place it in the lower tier of the database. The processor is best suited for users who prioritize battery life and portability over raw performance. With a 17W TDP and integrated HD 4000 graphics, it can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, email, and streaming video without strain.

For light productivity, the dual-core with four threads can manage multiple applications simultaneously. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1796 suggests that occasional photo editing or light coding is possible, but heavy 3D rendering or video editing will be slow. The single-core performance, as measured by Geekbench at 448, is adequate for responsive UI interactions but not for demanding single-threaded workloads like complex spreadsheets or advanced simulations.

Gaming is not a strong suit; the integrated HD 4000 graphics are not designed for modern titles, and the CPU's low single-thread score will bottleneck even older games. However, for a secondary laptop or a basic office machine, the i7-3517U offers a balanced package with low power consumption. The lack of ECC memory support and the locked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: false) further indicate a mainstream, non-enthusiast positioning.

Users who need more performance should look at the nearest rivals, such as the Intel Pentium G3450, which scores 638 on average, only 0.3% higher, but that is a desktop part and likely has a higher TDP. The i7-3517U's advantage lies in its mobile form factor and power efficiency, not in absolute speed.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core i7-3517U?

A: The TDP is 17 watts, as listed in the specifications.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; the ECC memory field is false.

Q: What is the socket type?

A: The processor uses Intel BGA 1023, a soldered mobile socket.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics.

Q: How does its average benchmark score compare to the AMD Athlon II X4 630?

A: The i7-3517U has an average score of 636, while the Athlon II X4 630 scores 635, a delta of 0.1%.

How It Compares

AMD Athlon II X4 630: The Athlon II X4 630 posts an average score of 635, a 0.1% delta from the i7-3517U's 636. The two are statistically indistinguishable in average performance, despite the Athlon being a desktop part.

Intel Core m3-6Y30: The Core m3-6Y30 scores 637, 0.2% higher than the i7-3517U. This is a close match, with both targeting low-power mobile segments.

AMD Phenom II X4 920: The Phenom II X4 920 also scores 637, a 0.2% delta. The i7-3517U trails by a negligible margin.

Intel Pentium G3450: The Pentium G3450 leads this group with 638, a 0.3% advantage over the i7-3517U. Even the fastest rival is only marginally ahead.