CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3517U vs Intel Core i7-4500U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3517U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in June 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge family. Designed primarily for the burgeoning Ultrabook market, it operates at a 17-watt TDP, striking a balance between performance and battery life. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 2 cores and 4 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 1.9 GHz and can dynamically boost up to 3.0 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost Technology. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 4000 provided a noticeable improvement in graphical capabilities over the previous generation's HD 3000, allowing for basic 1080p gaming and smooth hardware-accelerated video decoding. While its dual-core architecture limits its multi-threaded potential by modern standards, the 3517U was a highly capable chip in its era, powering countless thin-and-light laptops and ultrabooks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 2D games
- HD 4400 is too weak
- Only suitable for 2D games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Was efficient in 2012
- Good single-core burst performance
- 17W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
Pros
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 15W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-3517U
- AMD A6-4455MRival
Mobile
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2677MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-4555MRival
Mobile
Successor with better efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4500U
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3537URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
Modern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative with 4 cores.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Great budget performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable 2012 ultrabook chip, but its dual-core design is too slow for modern multitasking.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-3517U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price. It remains capable of very basic web browsing and document editing, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing or for students on a very tight budget. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended for better efficiency, security, and performance.
Read the full reviewA highly efficient dual-core CPU for its time, but severely lacking in performance for modern tasks.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-4500U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price. It remains capable of very basic web browsing and document editing, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4500U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3517U (17 W), Intel Core i7-4500U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3517U and Intel Core i7-4500U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3517U: Intel BGA 1023, Intel Core i7-4500U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.