Quick Verdict
A pioneering ultra-low voltage CPU that enabled the ultrabook era, but its dual-core performance is severely lacking by modern standards.
Overview
Launch
Jun 1st, 2012
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
3rd Generation (Ivy Bridge)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-3317U is an ultra-low voltage dual-core mobile processor launched in June 2012, specifically engineered for the burgeoning ultrabook market. Built on the Ivy Bridge architecture, it operates at a base frequency of 1.7 GHz and can dynamically boost up to 2.6 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. With a remarkably low thermal design power of just 17 watts, it prioritizes battery longevity and thermal efficiency, enabling fanless designs and extremely thin laptop profiles. The processor supports Hyper-Threading, managing four threads across its two physical cores to ensure competent multitasking. It includes 3 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000, delivering sufficient graphical performance for high-definition media playback and casual gaming. Designed for the BGA 1023 socket, it is permanently soldered, emphasizing its role in highly integrated, space-constrained mobile computing devices where thickness must be minimized.
The Core i5-3317U was a staple of the first generation of Windows ultrabooks. Its 17W TDP allowed for thin chassis and long battery life, while its 1.7 GHz base clock provided adequate performance for everyday tasks in 2012.
Today, it is best suited for basic web browsing and document editing, though it struggles with modern web applications. The integrated HD 4000 graphics were a step up from previous generations but are insufficient for modern gaming.
Specifications
Performance
Struggles with heavy multitasking but fine for single-app usage.
Lacks VT-d support and core count for effective virtualization.
Cannot run modern 3D games; restricted to very light 2D indie titles.
Good efficiency for 2012, though modern 7W chips are vastly faster.
- •HD 4000 maxes out at 1050 MHz
- •Dual-core bottleneck
- •Lacks AVX2
- •No AI hardware
- •Insufficient compute for modern AI tasks
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
3 MB
L3 Cache
17 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-3317U is manufactured using Intel's 22-nanometer 3D tri-gate transistor technology, a hallmark of the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture. This process allowed for higher transistor density and significantly reduced power leakage compared to the previous 32nm Sandy Bridge generation, making the 17W TDP possible. The dual-core layout is augmented by Hyper-Threading, enabling efficient processing of four concurrent threads. An integrated dual-channel DDR3 memory controller supports low-voltage memory modules, further reducing overall system power consumption. The on-die Intel HD Graphics 4000 features a base clock of 350 MHz and can boost up to 1050 MHz, providing robust hardware video decoding for formats like H.264. Despite its low power envelope, the processor retains support for advanced instruction sets, including AES-NI for accelerated encryption and AVX for enhanced floating-point calculations. This architecture defined the standard for efficient mobile computing for years.
CPU Design
Dual-core design with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3/DDR3L memory controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 22nm process over 32nm
- Lower TDP efficiency
- HD 4000 over HD 3000
- PCIe 3.0 support
Key Highlights
- Very low 17W TDP
- Enabled thin ultrabook designs
- Good battery life for its era
- Decent burst performance
- Hardware video decoding
- Soldered to motherboard, no upgrades
- Severely underpowered for modern web
- No Windows 11 support
- Lacks VT-d virtualization
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
History
Introduced in mid-2012, the Core i5-3317U played a pivotal role in establishing the Intel Ultrabook category as a direct competitor to Apple's MacBook Air. Intel heavily subsidized and marketed this processor tier to OEMs to ensure sleek, responsive, and highly portable Windows laptops could reach the market. The 17-watt TDP was a breakthrough at the time, allowing manufacturers to design laptops under an inch thick while still offering responsive performance.
This processor era marked a turning point where mobile computing finally achieved all-day battery life without sacrificing usability. Although the integrated graphics were not powerful enough for serious gaming, they perfectly handled the demands of high-definition video streaming and productivity applications. The 3317U became one of the most popular processors in mid-range ultrabooks, driving the industry-wide adoption of SSD storage and high-resolution IPS displays in mainstream consumer laptops.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process over 32nm
- Lower TDP efficiency
- HD 4000 over HD 3000
- PCIe 3.0 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Using an old ultrabook as a lightweight Linux terminal.
Avoid if…
- Buying a used laptop
- Running Windows 11
- Gaming
- Video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The Core i5-3317U is an ultra-low voltage processor with a 17-watt TDP.
Built on the 22nm Ivy Bridge manufacturing process.
Features a base clock of 1.7 GHz and boosts up to 2.6 GHz.
Designed for the Intel Ultrabook initiative to compete with thin laptops.
Permanently soldered using the BGA 1023 socket.
Integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000 with a max dynamic frequency of 1050 MHz.
Supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
Features 2 cores and 4 threads via Hyper-Threading.
Part number SR0N8 identifies this specific processor.
Launched in June 2012 to power thin-and-light portable PCs.
People Also Ask
What is the TDP of the Core i5-3317U?
It has a very low 17-watt TDP.
Can you overclock the Core i5-3317U?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does the Core i5-3317U use?
It uses Intel BGA 1023.
Does the Core i5-3317U have integrated graphics?
Yes, Intel HD Graphics 4000.
Is the Core i5-3317U good for gaming?
It can run very old or casual games, but not modern titles.
What is the base clock of the i5-3317U?
The base clock is 1.7 GHz.
How many cores does the Core i5-3317U have?
It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-3317U?
It boosts up to 2.6 GHz.
Can I upgrade the Core i5-3317U?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard.
What generation is the Core i5-3317U?
It is a 3rd generation Ivy Bridge processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core i5-3317U support Windows 11?
No, it is not supported by Windows 11.
Is the Core i5-3317U unlocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
What type of memory does it support?
Dual-channel DDR3 / DDR3L memory.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has a 3 MB L3 cache.
Can it handle 4K video playback?
It can handle 4K video output, but heavy 4K playback may stutter.
Does the i5-3317U support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x but not VT-d.
Why was the i5-3317U popular?
It was widely used in early ultrabooks due to its low power and decent performance.
Does it have AES-NI?
Yes, it supports AES-NI.
What is the max RAM supported?
It depends on the motherboard, but generally up to 16GB or 32GB.
Can I play Minecraft on it?
Yes, it can run Minecraft at low settings comfortably.