CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3517UE vs Intel Core i7-3555LE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3517UE is a specialized ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in June 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge family. The 'UE' suffix denotes its focus on embedded and ultra-thin systems, operating at a 17-watt TDP. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 2 cores and 4 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 1.7 GHz and can boost up to 2.8 GHz. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. A standout feature of the 3517UE is its support for ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, making it suitable for small-scale servers, industrial PCs, and critical embedded systems where data integrity is paramount. While its dual-core design limits multi-threaded performance, its combination of low power consumption, ECC support, and Intel HD Graphics 4000 makes it a versatile chip for specialized industrial applications rather than consumer laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slow for modern office tasks but okay for basic embedded UI.
Slow for modern office tasks but okay for basic embedded UI.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming.
Not intended for gaming.
Virtualization
Capable of running one light VM, but limited by 2 cores.
Capable of running one light VM, but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
25W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Not intended for gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern titles
- Not intended for gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- ECC memory support
- 17W TDP for fanless designs
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization
- HD 4000 graphics
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- Soldered to motherboard
Pros
- ECC memory support
- 25W TDP for compact designs
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization
- HD 4000 graphics
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- Soldered to motherboard
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-3517UE
- AMD Embedded G-T40NRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-2655LERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-3517UERival
Embedded
- AMD Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom E3827Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-4600UEAlt
Successor with better performance and efficiency.
Modern embedded alternative with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
Quad-core alternative with ECC support.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Atom C3758Alt
Modern low-power embedded alternative.
Intel Core i7-3555LE
- AMD Embedded G-T40NRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-2655LERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-3550LERival
Embedded
- AMD Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom E3827Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-4600LEAlt
Successor with better performance and efficiency.
Modern embedded alternative with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
Quad-core alternative with ECC support.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Atom C3758Alt
Modern low-power embedded alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable 2012 embedded chip with ECC support, but too slow for modern consumer workloads.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-3517UE, you are likely maintaining an older industrial PC or a specialized embedded system. This processor should not be sought for consumer use, as its dual-core design is severely outdated for modern multitasking and productivity workloads. It is only recommended if you need to keep a specific legacy system running that requires a direct replacement part with ECC memory support. Avoid using this CPU for general web browsing or modern office work, as its performance is too low and inefficient. It is best utilized in its original context: low-power, always-on embedded systems where stability is paramount. For any new industrial builds, modern embedded processors offer vastly superior performance, security, and power efficiency.
Read the full reviewA reliable 2012 embedded chip with ECC support, but too slow for modern consumer workloads.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-3555LE, you are likely maintaining an older industrial PC or a specialized embedded system. This processor should not be sought for consumer use, as its dual-core design is severely outdated for modern multitasking and productivity workloads. It is only recommended if you need to keep a specific legacy system running that requires a direct replacement part with ECC memory support. Avoid using this CPU for general web browsing or modern office work, as its performance is too low and inefficient. It is best utilized in its original context: low-power, always-on embedded systems where stability is paramount. For any new industrial builds, modern embedded processors offer vastly superior performance, security, and power efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3517UE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3517UE (17 W), Intel Core i7-3555LE (25 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3517UE and Intel Core i7-3555LE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.