A8-3520M vs Celeron N4000C

AMD

A8-3520M

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron N4000C

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2019
Similar parts
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A8-3520M vs Celeron N4000C Performance Spectrum

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.

A8-3520M vs Celeron N4000C 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.

A8-3520M vs Celeron N4000C: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3520M

2011

Why buy it

  • +0.8% higher PassMark.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6620G, while Celeron N4000C needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Celeron N4000C

2019

Why buy it

  • Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,430 vs 1,441).
  • No integrated graphics, while A8-3520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N4000C better than A8-3520M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron N4000C is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A8-3520M pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron N4000C still makes the most sense overall. Celeron N4000C comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron N4000C makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3520M vs Celeron N4000C Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-3520M

The A8-3520M 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,441 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Celeron N4000C

The Celeron N4000C is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4/LPDDR4 up to 2400 MT/s. Passmark benchmark score: 1,430 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The A8-3520M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron N4000C offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3520M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A8-3520M versus 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4000C — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Celeron N4000C (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The A8-3520M is built on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. In PassMark, the A8-3520M scores 1,441 against the Celeron N4000C's 1,430 — a 0.8% lead for the A8-3520M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3520M vs 4 MB on the Celeron N4000C.

FeatureA8-3520MCeleron N4000C
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz
2.6 GHz+4%
Base Clock
1.6 GHz+45%
1.1 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
PassMark
1,441
1,430
Geekbench 6 Single
255
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Memory & Platform

The A8-3520M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron N4000C uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureA8-3520MCeleron N4000C
Socket
FS1
FCBGA1090
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
20
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3520M) / not specified (Celeron N4000C). The A8-3520M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6620G), while the Celeron N4000C requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3520M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-3520M rivals Core i3-2330M.

FeatureA8-3520MCeleron N4000C
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6620G
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Budget Laptop