CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-3555LE vs Intel Core i7-3615QE

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3555LE is a specialized low-power mobile processor launched in June 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge family. The 'LE' suffix denotes its focus on embedded and semi-ruggedized systems, operating at a 25-watt TDP. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 2 cores and 4 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 2.5 GHz and can boost up to 3.2 GHz. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. A standout feature of the 3555LE 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 high base clock makes it a versatile chip for specialized industrial applications.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-3555LE
2C / 4T3.2 GHz25 W
5
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-3615QE
4C / 8T3.3 GHz45 W
6
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
3rd Gen Core i7
3rd Gen Core i7
Launched
2012
2012
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-2655LE
Intel Core i7-2715QE
Successor
Intel Core i7-4600LE
Intel Core i7-4700EQ

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
2
4
Threads
4
8
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.3 GHz
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.3 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
4 MB
6 MB
TDP
25 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
1600 MT/s
1600 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
16 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1023
Intel BGA 1023
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-3555LE25

Slow for modern office tasks but okay for basic embedded UI.

Intel Core i7-3615QEBest40

Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-3555LE10

Not intended for gaming.

Intel Core i7-3615QEBest20

Not intended for gaming, but can run older titles.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-3555LE20

Capable of running one light VM, but limited by 2 cores.

Intel Core i7-3615QEBest35

Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-3555LEBest30

25W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.

Intel Core i7-3615QE20

45W TDP is inefficient by modern embedded standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-3555LENone
  • No AI hardware
Intel Core i7-3615QENone
  • No AI hardware

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-3555LENone
Basic Display Output
Intel Core i7-3615QEPoor
Basic Display OutputLight 1080p Editing

Gaming

Intel Core i7-3555LENone
  • Not intended for gaming
  • HD 4000 is too weak for modern titles
Intel Core i7-3615QEPoor
  • Not intended for gaming
  • HD 4000 is too weak for modern titles

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Low
Moderate
Content Creation
Low
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Embedded Systems
Good
Very Good
Industrial PCs
Good
Very Good
Digital Signage
Very Good
Web Browsing
Fair
Good
Office Productivity
Fair
Good
Medical Imaging
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Developers
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-3555LE

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
Intel Core i7-3615QE

Pros

  • ECC memory support
  • 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
  • VT-x and VT-d virtualization
  • HD 4000 graphics

Cons

  • High 45W TDP
  • Very slow for modern tasks
  • No Windows 11 support
  • Soldered to motherboard

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-3555LE

  • AMD Embedded G-T40N

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2655LE

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-3550LE

    Embedded

    Rival
  • AMD Embedded R-464L

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Atom E3827

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-4600LE
    Alt

    Successor with better performance and efficiency.

  • Modern embedded alternative with 6 cores.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B
    Alt

    Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.

  • Quad-core alternative with ECC support.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Atom C3758
    Alt

    Modern low-power embedded alternative.

Intel Core i7-3615QE

  • AMD Embedded R-464L

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i5-3610QE

    Embedded

    Rival
  • AMD Embedded G-T40N

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Atom E3845

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-4700EQ
    Alt

    Successor with better performance and efficiency.

  • Intel Core i7-9700T
    Alt

    Modern embedded alternative with 8 cores.

  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B
    Alt

    Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.

  • Lower 35W TDP alternative.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Xeon E-2176G
    Alt

    Modern server alternative with ECC support.

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 i7-3555LE, 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 review

A capable 2012 embedded quad-core chip with ECC support, but inefficient by modern standards.

Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-3615QE, you are likely maintaining an older industrial PC or a specialized embedded system. This processor should not be sought for consumer use, as its 45W TDP and older 22nm architecture make it inefficient for modern laptops and ultrabooks. 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 there are much cheaper and faster alternatives available. It is best utilized in its original context: high-performance, 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-3555LE or Intel Core i7-3615QE?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3615QE comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. 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 i7-3555LE or Intel Core i7-3615QE?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3615QE leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i7-3555LE and Intel Core i7-3615QE.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-3555LE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3555LE (25 W), Intel Core i7-3615QE (45 W).

Do Intel Core i7-3555LE and Intel Core i7-3615QE use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core i7-3615QE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-3555LE (2 cores), Intel Core i7-3615QE (4 cores).