A10-4600M vs Core i5-520UM

A10-4600M vs Core i5-520UM Performance Spectrum

A10-4600M

4 / 4

1,948

+0.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-520UM

2 / 4

1,943

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-4600M vs Core i5-520UM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-4600M vs Core i5-520UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-4600M

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 37 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Core i5-520UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-4600M across 37 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,943 vs 1,948).

Quick Answers

So, is A10-4600M better than Core i5-520UM?

Yes. A10-4600M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A10-4600M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% more average FPS across 37 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A10-4600M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A10-4600M still makes the most sense overall. A10-4600M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-4600M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-4600M vs Core i5-520UM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A10-4600M

The A10-4600M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,948 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i5-520UM

The Core i5-520UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.07 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,943 points. Launch price was $241.

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Processing Power

The A10-4600M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-520UM offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-4600M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the A10-4600M versus 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM — a 52.5% clock advantage for the A10-4600M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 1.07 GHz). The A10-4600M uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-520UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-4600M scores 1,948 against the Core i5-520UM's 1,943 — a 0.3% lead for the A10-4600M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-4600M vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM.

Feature	A10-4600M	Core i5-520UM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+71%	1.87 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+115%	1.07 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+700%	512 kB
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,948	1,943
Geekbench 6 Single	342	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	916	—

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Memory & Platform

The A10-4600M uses the FS1r2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-520UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A10-4600M versus 800 on the Core i5-520UM — the A10-4600M supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-4600M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A70M (A10-4600M) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-520UM).

Feature	A10-4600M	Core i5-520UM
Socket	FS1r2	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+100%	800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-4600M) vs true (Core i5-520UM). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7660G (A10-4600M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-4600M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: A10-4600M rivals Core i3-2310M; Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.