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Intel Core i3-7020U

Intel Core i3-7020U in 2025: Is It Worth Buying a Laptop with This Processor?

Introduction

Although the Intel Core i3-7020U was released in 2017, it is still found in budget laptops, particularly those priced under $500. This processor, built on a 14nm fabrication process, is marketed as a solution for basic tasks. But how relevant is it in 2025? Let's delve into the details.

Architecture and Fabrication Process: What’s Inside?

Kaby Lake is the seventh generation of Intel architecture, which looks outdated by 2025. However, its features should be considered when selecting a device:

- 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.

- Base frequency of 2.3 GHz. There is no Turbo mode—this is a key downside for multitasking.

- Integrated Intel HD 620 graphics. It supports 4K video via HDMI 1.4, but it is too weak for gaming (max—30 FPS in CS:GO at low settings).

- 14nm fabrication process. In an era of 5nm chips from Apple and 7nm Ryzen from AMD, this means higher power consumption for the same performance.

On the positive side, it supports hardware decoding for H.265 and VP9, which is useful for streaming 4K content. However, modern AV1 codecs are not supported, limiting use in services like YouTube.

Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Battery Life

TDP of 15W allows for passive cooling, making laptops with this CPU thin and silent. However, by 2025, even budget processors (like AMD Ryzen 3 7320U) with similar TDP offer 4 cores and higher clock speeds.

The heat output is minimal, simplifying the laptop design, but during prolonged workloads (like video rendering), throttling may occur due to the absence of Turbo mode.

Performance: What Can the i3-7020U Do?

Office Tasks:

- Working with documents (Word, Excel), browsing with 5-10 tabs, Zoom conferences—the processor manages, but with delays when switching between applications.

- Running Photoshop or Figma is possible, but editing large images will lag.

Multimedia:

- Watching 4K video on YouTube (via VP9)—smooth, but there may be issues in browsers optimized for AV1.

- Editing in DaVinci Resolve: only simple 1080p projects. Rendering can take 2-3 times longer than on the Ryzen 3 7320U.

Gaming:

- 2010s games (Dota 2, GTA V)—25-30 FPS on low settings.

- Modern titles (Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy)—will either not launch or run at less than 15 FPS.

Turbo Mode: Absent. Maximum frequency is fixed at 2.3 GHz.

Use Cases: Who Is It Suitable For?

This processor is worth considering only in two scenarios:

1. Ultra-budget Laptops (up to $400). Examples of 2025 models:

- Lenovo IdeaPad 1 ($329): 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC, HD screen.

- HP 15-dw2000 ($379): 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.

2. Devices for Very Basic Tasks:

- Seniors: browsing, email, video calls.

- Students: typing, presentations, online courses.

For graphic work, programming, or video editing, this CPU is unsuitable.

Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?

With a battery capacity of 40-45 Wh, the operational time is:

- Web surfing: 6-7 hours.

- Video (local): 8-9 hours.

- Idle (sleep mode): up to 12 hours.

Power savings are ensured by:

- Intel Speed Shift: dynamic frequency management.

- Low power mode in the OS (e.g., Windows 11 Battery Saver).

However, modern processors (like Apple M1) operate 2-3 times longer under similar workloads.

Comparison with Competitors: Who Is Better?

1. AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (Zen 2, 6nm):

- 4 cores / 8 threads, 15W TDP.

- 1.5 times faster in multi-threaded tasks.

- Laptops with this CPU start at $450 (Acer Aspire 3).

2. Apple M1 (5nm, 2020):

- Even after 5 years, it outperforms the i3-7020U by 3-4 times.

- MacBook Air M1 (2025)—from $699 (new models).

3. Intel Core i3-1215U (10nm, 2022):

- 6 cores (2 P-cores + 4 E-cores), 15W TDP.

- Laptops starting from $500 (Dell Inspiron 15).

Conclusion: The i3-7020U lags behind even budget CPUs from 2022-2023, but at a lower price.

Pros and Cons

Strengths:

- Low laptop prices ($300-$450).

- Sufficient for basic tasks (office work, YouTube).

- Cool and quiet operation.

Weaknesses:

- 2 cores in 2025—outdated.

- No AV1 support, Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6E.

- Limited upgrade: max 32GB DDR4-2133 MHz.

Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop

If you decide to buy a device with the i3-7020U, pay attention to:

1. Type of Storage: Only SSD (even 128GB). eMMC is unacceptably slow.

2. RAM: Minimum 8GB. 4GB is insufficient for Windows 11.

3. Screen: Full HD over HD (1366x768)—for comfortable work.

4. Ports: USB-C with Power Delivery support will simplify charging.

A successful model example: ASUS Vivobook Go 15 ($399)—8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, IPS Full HD display.

Final Conclusion: Who Is the i3-7020U Suitable For?

This processor is a choice for those who:

- Are looking for the cheapest new laptop.

- Do not plan to run "heavy" applications.

- Are willing to tolerate slowdowns during multitasking.

Key benefits: saving $100-$200 compared to more modern counterparts. However, if your budget allows for an additional $150-$200, it's better to choose a laptop with Ryzen 3 or Core i3 from the 12th generation—they will last longer and won’t disappoint in performance.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Mobile

Launch Date

April 2018

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

i3-7020U

Code Name

Kaby Lake

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

2.30 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCBGA1356 | FC-BGA1356 | FPBGA1356

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

14 nm

TDP

15 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

100°C

PCI Express Version

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

3.0

Number of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

Intel 64

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Yes

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

PCI Express Configurations

PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.

1x4 | 2x2 | 1x2+2x1 and 4x1

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

DDR4-2133 | LPDDR3-1866 | DDR3L-1600

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

32 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Bus Speed

4 GT/s

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

34.1 GB/s

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

GPU Specifications

GPU Name

Intel® HD Graphics 620

Graphics Base Frequency

Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.

300 MHz

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

1.00 GHz

Graphics Video Max Memory

32 GB

4K Support

Yes | at 60Hz

DirectX Support

DirectX* Support indicates support for a specific version of Microsoft’s collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for handling multimedia compute tasks.

Max Resolution (HDMI)

Max Resolution (HDMI) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the HDMI interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

4096x2304@24Hz

Max Resolution (DP)

Max Resolution (DP) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the DP interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

4096x2304@60Hz

Max Resolution (eDP - Integrated Flat Panel)

Max Resolution (Integrated Flat Panel) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor for a device with an integrated flat panel (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your device.

4096x2304@60Hz

Number of Displays Supported

Graphics Output

Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.

eDP/DP/HDMI/DVI

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Intel Standard Manageability (ISM)

Intel® Standard Manageability is the manageability solution for Intel vPro® Essentials platforms and is a subset of Intel® AMT with out-of-band management over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but no KVM or new life cycle management features.

Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2 | Intel® AVX2

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.

Yes

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

3 MB Intel® Smart Cache

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Intel Boot Guard

Intel® Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard helps protect the system’s pre-OS environment from viruses and malicious software attacks.

Yes

Intel Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.

Yes

Intel Clear Video Technology

Yes

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel InTru 3D Technology

Yes

Intel Flex Memory Access

Yes

Intel OS Guard

Yes

OpenGL Support

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.

4.5

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

728

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

1471

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

582

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

1349

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

1323

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

2574

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

EPYC 7282

857 +17.7%

Xeon D-1527

789 +8.4%

Core i3-7020U

728

Ryzen Embedded R1305G

670 -8%

Core i7-3635QM

637 -12.5%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

Core i7-2820QM

1763 +19.9%

Xeon X5647

1606 +9.2%

Core i3-7020U

1471

Core i3-6167U

1299 -11.7%

FX-4300

1138 -22.6%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Xeon D-2166NT

626 +7.6%

EPYC 7601

601 +3.3%

Core i3-7020U

582

Xeon E5-2640

563 -3.3%

Xeon D-1537

544 -6.5%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Celeron G5905T

1476 +9.4%

A10-6800K

1408 +4.4%

Core i3-7020U

1349

Celeron J3455E

1249 -7.4%

EPYC 7742

1163 -13.8%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Pentium Silver J5040

1400 +5.8%

Athlon X4 740

1368 +3.4%

Core i3-7020U

1323

Core M-5Y71

1276 -3.6%

A4-4020

1220 -7.8%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Celeron J4105

2902 +12.7%

A6-9400

2717 +5.6%

Core i3-7020U

2574

Core i3-6102E

2349 -8.7%

Celeron G3930TE

2218 -13.8%