A10-7300 vs Core i5-520M

CPU

GPU

A10-7300

4 Cores4 Thrd4 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2014

Similar parts

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Core i5-520M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.93 GHz2010

Similar parts

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A10-7300 vs Core i5-520M Performance Spectrum

A10-7300

4 / 4

1,736

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-520M

2 / 4

1,727

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.

A10-7300 vs Core i5-520M 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.

A10-7300 vs Core i5-520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-7300

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.6 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 4W instead of 35W, a 31W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-520M

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,727 vs 1,736).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌775% higher power demand at 35W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-7300 better than Core i5-520M?

Yes. A10-7300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% 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, A10-7300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A10-7300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A10-7300 is the better buy right now. A10-7300 comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 50.8% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A10-7300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 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.

A10-7300 vs Core i5-520M Technical Specifications

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

A10-7300

The A10-7300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,736 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i5-520M

The Core i5-520M 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,727 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The A10-7300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-7300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the A10-7300 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M — a 8.8% clock advantage for the A10-7300 (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The A10-7300 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-520M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7300 scores 1,736 against the Core i5-520M's 1,727 — a 0.5% lead for the A10-7300.

Feature	A10-7300	Core i5-520M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+9%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.4 GHz+26%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB
L2 Cache	4096 kB+700%	512 kB
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaveri (2014−2015)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,736	1,727
Geekbench 6 Single	—	360
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	695

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-7300 uses the FP3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A10-7300 versus 1066 on the Core i5-520M — the A10-7300 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-7300 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: FP3 (A10-7300) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M).

Feature	A10-7300	Core i5-520M
Socket	FP3	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+50%	1066
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 (A10-7300) vs true (Core i5-520M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R6 (A10-7300) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7300 targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A10-7300 rivals Core i3-4010U; Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	A10-7300	Core i5-520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon R6	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	true
Target Use	Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-7300 was priced at $150, while the Core i5-520M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($150 vs $225), A10-7300 was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-7300 delivers 11.6 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-520M — making the A10-7300 the 40.5% better value option.

Feature	A10-7300	Core i5-520M
MSRP	$150-33%	$225
Performance per Dollar	11.6+51%	7.7
Release Date	2014	2010

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