The Ultimate Face-off: Intel Core i7 3517U vs Intel Core i9 10900X CPU Battle Royale

What To Know

  • The performance difference between the Intel Core i7 3517U and the Intel Core i9 10900X is substantial.
  • While the Core i7 3517U offers a decent single-core performance for its time, the Core i9 10900X significantly outperforms it due to its higher clock speed and advanced architecture.
  • The Intel Core i7 3517U and the Intel Core i9 10900X represent a significant gap in CPU technology.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options from different generations. Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two processors from drastically different eras: the Intel Core i7 3517U and the Intel Core i9 10900X. This comparison will shed light on the advancements in CPU technology and help you understand which processor might be suitable for your specific requirements.

The Veterans: Intel Core i7 3517U

The Intel Core i7 3517U is a veteran, released in 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge generation. This processor was designed for ultra-portable laptops and is known for its low power consumption and decent performance.
Key Features:

  • Architecture: Ivy Bridge
  • Cores: 2
  • Threads: 4
  • Base Clock Speed: 1.7 GHz
  • Turbo Boost: Up to 3.0 GHz
  • Cache: 4 MB L3
  • TDP: 17W

The Powerhouse: Intel Core i9 10900X

The Intel Core i9 10900X, released in 2019, belongs to the Comet Lake generation. This processor is a high-end desktop CPU designed for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and workstation applications.
Key Features:

  • Architecture: Comet Lake
  • Cores: 10
  • Threads: 20
  • Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz
  • Turbo Boost: Up to 4.7 GHz
  • Cache: 20 MB L3
  • TDP: 105W

Performance Comparison: A Clear Divide

The performance difference between the Intel Core i7 3517U and the Intel Core i9 10900X is substantial. The latter boasts a significant advantage in terms of core count, clock speed, and overall processing power.
Single-Core Performance: While the Core i7 3517U offers a decent single-core performance for its time, the Core i9 10900X significantly outperforms it due to its higher clock speed and advanced architecture.
Multi-Core Performance: The Core i9 10900X shines in multi-core tasks, thanks to its 10 cores and 20 threads. It can handle demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking with ease, while the Core i7 3517U struggles to keep up.
Gaming Performance: The Core i9 10900X provides a superior gaming experience compared to the Core i7 3517U. Its higher clock speed and core count result in smoother frame rates and improved overall performance, especially in demanding games.
Power Consumption: The Core i7 3517U, designed for mobile devices, prioritizes low power consumption. The Core i9 10900X consumes significantly more power due to its higher performance requirements.

Use Case Scenarios: Picking the Right Tool for the Job

The choice between these two processors depends heavily on your specific needs and usage scenarios.
Intel Core i7 3517U:

  • Ideal for: Everyday tasks like web browsing, email, light productivity, and casual gaming on a budget.
  • Suitable for: Ultra-portable laptops, budget-friendly desktops, and devices where power consumption is a priority.

Intel Core i9 10900X:

  • Ideal for: Demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, content creation, and professional applications.
  • Suitable for: High-end gaming PCs, workstations, and systems where performance is paramount.

A Look at the Future: The Evolution of CPUs

The Intel Core i7 3517U and the Intel Core i9 10900X represent a significant gap in CPU technology. The advancements in processor architecture, core count, and clock speeds have led to a dramatic increase in performance.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more powerful and efficient CPUs in the future. New architectures like Intel’s Alder Lake and AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series are pushing the boundaries of performance, offering incredible speeds and improved power efficiency.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor for You

While the Intel Core i9 10900X is undoubtedly the more powerful processor, it’s crucial to consider your budget and specific needs before making a decision. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for everyday tasks, the Intel Core i7 3517U might be sufficient. However, if you require high performance for demanding applications, the Intel Core i9 10900X is the clear winner.

The Final Word: Beyond Performance

The choice between the Intel Core i7 3517U and the Intel Core i9 10900X goes beyond raw performance. Consider factors like your budget, the tasks you’ll be performing, and the overall system you’re building.
Remember, the best processor is the one that meets your specific needs and provides the optimal performance for your intended use.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Is the Intel Core i9 10900X still a good choice in 2023?
A: While the Intel Core i9 10900X is a powerful processor, newer CPUs like the Intel Core i9 13900K offer better performance and efficiency. However, the 10900X can still be a good value option if you can find it at a discounted price.
Q: Can I upgrade the Intel Core i7 3517U in my laptop?
A: No, the Intel Core i7 3517U is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 10900X compatible with DDR5 RAM?
A: No, the Intel Core i9 10900X supports DDR4 RAM.
Q: What is the difference between a CPU and a GPU?
A: A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is responsible for general processing tasks, while a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) handles graphics rendering and calculations.
Q: What are the best motherboards for the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: The Intel Core i9 10900X requires a motherboard with the X299 chipset. Some recommended options include the ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Encore and the Gigabyte Aorus X299 Xtreme.