A8-5600K vs Core i7-3520M

A8-5600K vs Core i7-3520M Performance Spectrum

A8-5600K

4 / 4

2,860

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-3520M

2 / 4

2,842

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.

A8-5600K vs Core i7-3520M 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.

A8-5600K vs Core i7-3520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-5600K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-3520M.

Trade-offs

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

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-5600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,842 vs 2,860).
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while A8-5600K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-5600K.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-5600K better than Core i7-3520M?

Yes. A8-5600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 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?

If gaming is the priority, A8-5600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.6% 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, A8-5600K 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?

A8-5600K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-5600K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3520M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

A8-5600K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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.

A8-5600K vs Core i7-3520M Technical Specifications

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

A8-5600K

The A8-5600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,860 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i7-3520M

The Core i7-3520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,842 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

The A8-5600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-5600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the A8-5600K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 8% clock advantage for the A8-5600K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The A8-5600K uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-5600K scores 2,860 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 0.6% lead for the A8-5600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-5600K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	A8-5600K	Core i7-3520M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+8%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+24%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,860	2,842

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Memory & Platform

The A8-5600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-5600K versus 1600 on the Core i7-3520M — the A8-5600K supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5600K supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-5600K) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M).

Feature	A8-5600K	Core i7-3520M
Socket	FM2	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1866+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64+100%	32
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A8-5600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 7560D (A8-5600K) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-5600K rivals Core i3-3220; Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.