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Intel Core i7-3540M vs Intel Core i7-3517U vs Intel Core i7-3615QM

Intel Core i7-3540M

► remove from comparison Intel 3540M

The Intel Core i7-3540M is the fastest dual-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture at the time of introduction in Q1 2013. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 3.0 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.5 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.7 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessor Core i7-2640M, it offers a 4 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3540M is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is about 5 - 10 % above the old i7-2640M.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1300 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the fastest variants.

Just like most other Ivy Bridge dual-cores, the i7-3540M is rated at a TDP of 35 W. Therefore, even smaller laptops can use the Core i7.

Intel Core i7-3517U

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core i7-3517U is a fast ULV-processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture released in Q2 2012. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 1.9 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.0 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessors, it offers a 4 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3517U is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. Therefore, and because of the higher clock speed, the older Core i7-2677M is easily outperformed.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 350 MHz up to 1150 MHz with Turbo Boost, delivering a performance comparable with an AMD Radeon HD 6620G.

The ULV-CPUs are rated at a TDP of 17 W including graphics card and memory controller.  Therefore, the CPU is suited for small laptops and ultrabooks.

Intel Core i7-3615QM

► remove from comparison Intel 3615QM

The Intel Core i7-3615QM is a fast quad-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. Due to Hyperthreading, the four cores can handle up to eight threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.3 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.2 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.3 GHz (for 1 active core).

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3615QM is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is similar to the former fastest model, the Core i7-2920XM.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1200 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the faster variants.

As with most quad-core Ivy Bridge models, the Core i7-3615QM is specified at a TDP of 45 Watts including graphics card and memory controller. Therefore, the CPU is well-suited for laptops 15-inches or greater.

ModelIntel Core i7-3540MIntel Core i7-3517UIntel Core i7-3615QM
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameIvy BridgeIvy BridgeIvy Bridge
Series: Core i7 Ivy Bridge
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M « 3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U « 1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM « 2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock3000 - 3700 MHz1900 - 3000 MHz2300 - 3300 MHz
L1 Cache128 KB128 KB256 KB
L2 Cache512 KB512 KB1 MB
L3 Cache4 MB4 MB6 MB
Cores / Threads2 / 42 / 44 / 8
TDP35 Watt17 Watt45 Watt
Technology22 nm22 nm22 nm
max. Temp.105 °C105 °C
SocketBGA1023, PGA988FCBGA1224, FCPGA988
FeaturesHD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1300 MHz), DDR3-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationTurbo Boost 2.0, Hyper-Threading, Virtualization VT-x, Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d), Trusted Execution, AES, Intel 64, Anti-Theft, My WiFi, Idle States, Enhanced SpeedStep, Thermal Monitorin, Execute Disable BitHD Graphics 4000 (650-1200MHz), DDR3(L)-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (350 - 1150 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1200 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com
Transistors1400 Million
Die Size160 mm2
$378 U.S.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 3.41     avg: 3.5     median: 3.5 (4%)     max: 3.49 Points
min: 2.51     avg: 2.7     median: 2.8 (4%)     max: 2.82 Points
min: 5.52     avg: 5.8     median: 5.5 (7%)     max: 6.26 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
min: 1.52     avg: 1.5     median: 1.5 (38%)     max: 1.54 Points
min: 1.14     avg: 1.2     median: 1.2 (30%)     max: 1.25 Points
min: 1.32     avg: 1.3     median: 1.3 (33%)     max: 1.35 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 5018     avg: 5030     median: 5029.5 (30%)     max: 5041 Points
min: 3860     avg: 4041     median: 4024.5 (24%)     max: 4170 Points
min: 4392     avg: 4436     median: 4436 (27%)     max: 4480 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 10628     avg: 10811     median: 10810.5 (8%)     max: 10993 Points
min: 8015     avg: 8524     median: 8596.5 (6%)     max: 8704 Points
min: 16907     avg: 16981     median: 16980.5 (12%)     max: 17054 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
min: 13307     avg: 13435     median: 13434.5 (9%)     max: 13562 Points
min: 9842     avg: 10589     median: 10674 (7%)     max: 10904 Points
min: 20725     avg: 21245     median: 21365 (15%)     max: 21646 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
min: 6326     avg: 6414     median: 6414 (8%)     max: 6502 Points
min: 5379     avg: 5576     median: 5618 (7%)     max: 5732 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
471.2 s (6%)
min: 248     avg: 262.4     median: 262.4 (3%)     max: 276.8 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
14.9 s (3%)
min: 8.1     avg: 8.5     median: 8.5 (2%)     max: 8.8 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
2940 Points (5%)
min: 2376     avg: 2631     median: 2465 (4%)     max: 3682 Points
min: 2965     avg: 3626     median: 3626 (6%)     max: 4287 Points
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
19.9 fps (7%)
min: 14.38     avg: 15.6     median: 15.9 (6%)     max: 16 fps
34.4 fps (12%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
105.3 fps (24%)
min: 82.3     avg: 83.3     median: 83 (19%)     max: 85 fps
137.5 fps (32%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
0.2 GB/s (0%)
min: 0.144     avg: 0.1     median: 0.1 (0%)     max: 0.15 GB/s
min: 0.316     avg: 0.3     median: 0.3 (0%)     max: 0.323 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
0.3 GB/s (5%)
min: 0.245     avg: 0.2     median: 0.2 (4%)     max: 0.25 GB/s
min: 0.542     avg: 0.5     median: 0.5 (9%)     max: 0.55 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
1.7 GB/s (4%)
min: 0.274     avg: 1.2     median: 1.4 (4%)     max: 1.4 GB/s
min: 2.9     avg: 3     median: 3 (8%)     max: 3.1 GB/s
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 4267     avg: 4320     median: 4319.5 (9%)     max: 4372 Points
min: 2949     avg: 3382     median: 3430 (7%)     max: 3570 Points
min: 5453     avg: 5757     median: 5574 (12%)     max: 6244 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
10.4 s (2%)
min: 11     avg: 11.1     median: 11.1 (2%)     max: 11.2 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
23.9 s (1%)
min: 25     avg: 25.4     median: 25.4 (1%)     max: 25.7 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
557 s (2%)
min: 616     avg: 623     median: 623 (3%)     max: 630 s
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 3517U +
min: 47300     avg: 50913     median: 50800 (24%)     max: 54750 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 3517U +
min: 34130     avg: 34858     median: 35035 (27%)     max: 35230 MFLOPS
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
7.3 Points (94%)
min: 7     avg: 7.1     median: 7.1 (91%)     max: 7.1 Points
7.6 Points (97%)
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
11749 Points (10%)
min: 6288     avg: 8846     median: 9288.5 (8%)     max: 9552 Points
min: 18316     avg: 19453     median: 19047 (17%)     max: 20997 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
min: 4391     avg: 4627     median: 4627 (13%)     max: 4863 Points
min: 2966     avg: 3437     median: 3409 (9%)     max: 3988 Points
min: 6894     avg: 7283     median: 7391 (20%)     max: 7564 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 3540M +
min: 40631     avg: 42023     median: 42022.5 (34%)     max: 43414 Points
76%
1 3517U +
31781 Points (26%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 3540M +
min: 3424     avg: 3483     median: 3482.5 (9%)     max: 3541 Points
79%
1 3517U +
2734 Points (7%)
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 3540M +
min: 4929     avg: 4966     median: 4966 (9%)     max: 5003 Points
78%
1 3517U +
3880 Points (7%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Stream
100%
1 3517U +
5172 Points (42%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Memory
100%
1 3517U +
5174 Points (47%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Floating Point
100%
1 3517U +
6165 Points (12%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Integer
100%
1 3517U +
5564 Points (11%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Total Score
100%
1 3517U +
5657 Points (15%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3540M → 100% n=21

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3517U → 85% n=21

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3615QM → 131% n=21

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.26
log 28. 12:54:57

#0 checking url part for id 3628 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 3098 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 3085 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:35:32 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.03s ... 0.031s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.031s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 3628 +0.002s ... 0.034s

#8 got single benchmarks 3628 +0.012s ... 0.045s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 3098 +0.003s ... 0.048s

#10 got single benchmarks 3098 +0.067s ... 0.115s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 3085 +0.002s ... 0.117s

#12 got single benchmarks 3085 +0.012s ... 0.129s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.129s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.223s ... 0.352s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.352s

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Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)