A6-3600 vs Core i5-520M

CPU

GPU

A6-3600

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Core i5-520M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.93 GHz2010

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A6-3600 vs Core i5-520M Performance Spectrum

A6-3600

4 / 4

1,718

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-520M

2 / 4

1,727

+0.5%

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.

A6-3600 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.

A6-3600 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.

A6-3600

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $130 less on MSRP ($95 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 135.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-520M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (253 vs 360).
❌Lower PassMark (1,718 vs 1,727).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-520M

2010

Why buy it

✅+42.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-3600.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-520M better than A6-3600?

Yes. Core i5-520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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, Core i5-520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-520M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-520M comes in 136.8% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $95 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. A6-3600 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 135.6% better value on paper (18.1 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FM1.

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

A6-3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-3600 vs Core i5-520M Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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 A6-3600 supports 75% 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 GB — 100% 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+75%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the A6-3600 was priced at $95, while the Core i5-520M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($95 vs $225), A6-3600 was $130 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A6-3600 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-520M — making the A6-3600 the 80.8% better value option.

Feature	A6-3600	Core i5-520M
MSRP	$95-58%	$225
Performance per Dollar	18.1+135%	7.7
Release Date	2011	2010

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