CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3517U vs Intel Core i5-3365M
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.
Can handle basic office tasks but struggles with modern web applications and multitasking.
Gaming
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight games at low resolutions and settings.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Supports VT-x and VT-d, but only two cores limit practical virtual machine usage.
Efficiency
17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
Reasonable for a 2012 35 W mobile chip, but far less efficient than modern processors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 or later instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 2D games
- Intel HD 4000 is vastly outdated for modern games
- Can handle games like Minecraft, Terraria, and older titles at low settings
- No dedicated GPU means no realistic path to modern gaming
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- 22nm process is outdated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
- Intel HD 4000 was a meaningful graphics leap for integrated solutions in 2012
- 22nm process improved power efficiency
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
- TXT (Trusted Execution Technology) for enterprise security
- AES-NI hardware encryption acceleration
Cons
- Only two cores, completely insufficient for modern multi-threaded workloads
- No AVX2 support limits newer software compatibility
- 35 W TDP is high by modern ultrabook standards
- No modern connectivity (USB 4, Thunderbolt)
- Obsolete for any current meaningful use case
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 i5-3365M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Budget
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile Premium
- Intel Core i3-3110MRival
Mobile Entry
- AMD A6-4400MRival
Mobile Budget
- Intel Core i5-4200MAlt
Haswell successor with better power efficiency and slightly improved graphics.
Slightly higher-clocked Ivy Bridge alternative in a socketed package.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewThe Core i5-3365M was a solid mid-range mobile processor in 2012, offering meaningful improvements over its Sandy Bridge predecessors in graphics and power efficiency. Today, it is obsolete for any demanding workload but can still handle basic tasks in older laptops.
Best for: Keeping an existing laptop with this processor functional for basic tasks
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3517U or Intel Core i5-3365M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3365M comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-3517U or Intel Core i5-3365M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3365M leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i7-3517U and Intel Core i5-3365M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3517U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3517U (17 W), Intel Core i5-3365M (35 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3517U and Intel Core i5-3365M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3365M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3365M (2,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.