Quick Verdict
A top-tier 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 i7-3667U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in June 2012 as the premium tier of the Ivy Bridge ULV family. Designed for high-end ultrabooks, it operates 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 2.0 GHz and can boost up to 3.2 GHz. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 4000 provides a significant graphical uplift over previous generations, capable of handling 1080p video decoding and light gaming. While its dual-core design limits multi-threaded performance, the 3667U was one of the fastest mobile dual-core processors available in 2012, offering excellent single-core responsiveness for demanding ultrabook users.
Launched in 2012, the Intel Core i7-3667U is an Ivy Bridge mobile CPU featuring 2 cores and 4 threads. With a max turbo of 3.2 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17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.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 i7-3667U utilizes the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, specifically the ULV variant optimized for the 17-watt power envelope. The 22nm manufacturing process utilizes 3D Tri-Gate transistors to minimize power leakage. The architecture features 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 4 concurrent threads. It includes 4MB of shared L3 cache. 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 gating, allowing the processor to shut down idle portions of the die completely. The processor is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1023), enabling thinner laptop designs and reducing platform power consumption.
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 i7-3667U was introduced as the flagship dual-core processor for Intel's Ivy Bridge ultrabook push. It was designed to compete directly with high-end mobile chips, offering top-tier single-core performance for thin-and-light devices. The 3667U was heavily featured in premium ultrabooks and business laptops, where its combination of speed and efficiency was highly valued.
During this era, Intel was focused on driving down the TDP of mobile processors to enable fanless or minimal-cooling designs. The 3667U represented the pinnacle of this strategy for the 3rd generation. As technology advanced, it was eventually superseded by the Haswell ULV processors, which offered even greater efficiency and integrated graphics improvements.
Today, the 3667U is a legacy component, but it remains a significant milestone in mobile computing.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process
- HD 4000 graphics
- Higher IPC
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
When considering the Intel Core i7-3667U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at a rock-bottom price. It remains capable of basic web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking and heavy web applications. 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 who need a basic word processor on the go. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended for better efficiency, security, and overall 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 was the top-tier Ivy Bridge ULV processor.
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
The chip is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1023).
It was heavily featured in premium 2012 ultrabooks.
The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.
The die size is 118 mm².
The max turbo frequency is 3.2 GHz.
It features Intel HD Graphics 4000.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-3667U good for gaming?
No, it is only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
What is the TDP of the i7-3667U?
It has a default TDP of 17 watts.
Does the i7-3667U have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it features 2 cores and 4 threads.
Can the i7-3667U be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What socket does the i7-3667U use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket.
Does the i7-3667U support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the base clock of the i7-3667U?
The base clock is 2.0 GHz.
What generation is the i7-3667U?
It is a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-3667U have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4000.
Can the i7-3667U run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-3667U released?
It was released on June 3rd, 2012.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-3667U?
It can boost up to 3.2 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-3667U have?
It has 4MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-3667U support natively?
It natively supports DDR3 memory.
Is the i7-3667U unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the die size of the i7-3667U?
The die size is 118 mm².
Does the i7-3667U support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-3667U good for video editing?
No, it is too slow for any video editing.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-3667U?
It supports up to 16GB of RAM.
What graphics are in the i7-3667U?
It features Intel HD Graphics 4000.