A6-3600 vs Core i5-520M
A6-3600
Core i5-520M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A6-3600 is positioned at rank 613 and the Core i5-520M is on rank 1139, so the A6-3600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-3600
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-3600 | Core i5-520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-3600 | Core i5-520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+795%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A6-3600 and Core i5-520M
A6-3600
The A6-3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.
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.
Processing Power
The A6-3600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3600 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M — a 19.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The A6-3600 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-520M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3600 scores 1,718 against the Core i5-520M's 1,727 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-520M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 253 vs 360, a 34.9% lead for the Core i5-520M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-3600 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520M.
| Feature | A6-3600 | Core i5-520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.93 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.4 GHz+14% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512 kB |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,718 | 1,727 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 253 | 360+42% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 695 |
Memory & Platform
The A6-3600 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A6-3600 versus 1066 on the Core i5-520M — the Core i5-520M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-3600 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A6-3600) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M).
| Feature | A6-3600 | Core i5-520M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM1 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-3600) vs true (Core i5-520M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6530D (A6-3600) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-3600 rivals Pentium G630; Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | A6-3600 | Core i5-520M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6530D | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The A6-3600 launched at $95 MSRP, while the Core i5-520M debuted at $225.
| Feature | A6-3600 | Core i5-520M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $95-58% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2010 |
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