Quick Verdict
A capable 2012 ultrabook chip, but its dual-core design is too slow for modern multitasking.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
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.
Launched in 2012, the Intel Core i7-3517U is an Ivy Bridge mobile CPU featuring 2 cores and 4 threads. With a max turbo of 3.0 GHz, it delivers decent single-core performance.
Its 17W TDP makes it ideal for ultrabooks, but its dual-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking.
Specifications
Performance
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
- •HD 4000 is too weak
- •Only suitable for older 2D games
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
17 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-3517U is built on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate transistor technology. This ULV (Ultra-Low Voltage) variant is specifically binned and optimized for the 17-watt power envelope. The architecture features 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 4 concurrent threads. It includes 4MB of shared L3 cache, which is substantial for a dual-core mobile chip, helping to improve latency in data-heavy applications. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. For graphics, it integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000, which features 16 execution units and supports DirectX 11.1. The architecture also includes advanced power management features, such as fast standby resume and display panel self-refresh, which are critical for extending battery life in ultrabook form factors.
CPU Design
2 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 22nm process
- HD 4000 graphics
- Higher IPC
Key Highlights
- Was efficient in 2012
- Good single-core burst performance
- 17W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
History
Launched on June 3, 2012, the Core i7-3517U arrived at a critical time for the PC industry. Intel was heavily pushing the 'Ultrabook' standard to combat the threat of Apple's MacBook Air and the rising popularity of tablets. The 3517U became the go-to premium processor for these thin-and-light machines, offering a significant performance uplift over the Sandy Bridge ULV chips while maintaining the same 17W TDP.
It powered a generation of flagship ultrabooks from manufacturers like Asus, Acer, and Lenovo. The chip's ability to balance decent single-core performance with all-day battery life helped legitimize the Windows ultrabook category. As technology advanced, the 3517U was eventually superseded by the Haswell ULV processors, which offered even greater efficiency and integrated graphics improvements.
Today, it is a relic of the early ultrabook era.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process
- HD 4000 graphics
- Higher IPC
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Need modern multitasking
- Want to play games
- Need Windows 11 support
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'U' suffix stands for Ultra-low power.
It has a default TDP of 17 watts.
It features Intel HD Graphics 4000.
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
The chip is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1023).
It was heavily featured in 2012 ultrabooks.
The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.
The die size is 118 mm².
The max turbo frequency is 3.0 GHz.
It was a popular choice for early MacBook Airs.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-3517U good for gaming?
No, it is only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
What is the TDP of the i7-3517U?
It has a default TDP of 17 watts.
Does the i7-3517U have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it features 2 cores and 4 threads.
Can the i7-3517U be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What socket does the i7-3517U use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket.
Does the i7-3517U support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the base clock of the i7-3517U?
The base clock is 1.9 GHz.
What generation is the i7-3517U?
It is a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-3517U have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4000.
Can the i7-3517U run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-3517U released?
It was released on June 3rd, 2012.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-3517U?
It can boost up to 3.0 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-3517U have?
It has 4MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-3517U support natively?
It natively supports DDR3 memory.
Is the i7-3517U unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the die size of the i7-3517U?
The die size is 118 mm².
Does the i7-3517U support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-3517U good for video editing?
No, it is too slow for any video editing.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-3517U?
It supports up to 16GB of RAM.
What graphics are in the i7-3517U?
It features Intel HD Graphics 4000.