A10-8700P vs Core i5-2520M

CPU

GPU

A10-8700P

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2015

Similar parts

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Core i5-2520M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011

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A10-8700P vs Core i5-2520M Performance Spectrum

A10-8700P

4 / 4

2,254

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-2520M

2 / 4

2,241

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.

A10-8700P vs Core i5-2520M 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.

A10-8700P vs Core i5-2520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-8700P

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.0 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-2520M

2011

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,241 vs 2,254).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-8700P better than Core i5-2520M?

Yes. A10-8700P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 11 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A10-8700P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A10-8700P is the better buy right now. A10-8700P comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 11 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 50.9% better value on MSRP (15.0 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A10-8700P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) 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.

A10-8700P vs Core i5-2520M Technical Specifications

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

A10-8700P

The A10-8700P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,254 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i5-2520M

The Core i5-2520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,241 points. Launch price was $225.

⚡

Processing Power

The A10-8700P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-8700P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the A10-8700P versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A10-8700P uses the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-2520M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-8700P scores 2,254 against the Core i5-2520M's 2,241 — a 0.6% lead for the A10-8700P.

Feature	A10-8700P	Core i5-2520M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.5 GHz+39%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2048 kB+700%	256K (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Carrizo (2015−2018)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,254	2,241
Geekbench 6 Single	480	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,000	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-8700P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-8700P versus 1333 on the Core i5-2520M — the A10-8700P supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (A10-8700P) vs 16 (Core i5-2520M) — the Core i5-2520M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (A10-8700P) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M).

Feature	A10-8700P	Core i5-2520M
Socket	FP4	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133+60%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-8700P) vs true (Core i5-2520M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R6 (A10-8700P) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-8700P targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A10-8700P rivals Core i5-5200U; Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	A10-8700P	Core i5-2520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon R6	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	true
Target Use	Budget Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-8700P was priced at $150, while the Core i5-2520M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($150 vs $225), A10-8700P was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-8700P delivers 15.0 pts/$ vs 10.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2520M — making the A10-8700P the 40.6% better value option.

Feature	A10-8700P	Core i5-2520M
MSRP	$150-33%	$225
Performance per Dollar	15.0+50%	10.0
Release Date	2015	2011

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