A8-5600K vs Core i7-3520M
A8-5600K
Core i7-3520M
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 A8-5600K is positioned at rank 437 and the Core i7-3520M is on rank 1127, so the A8-5600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-5600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-5600K | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Trinity (2012−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-5600K | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
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 A8-5600K and Core i7-3520M
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.
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)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Trinity (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,860 | 2,842 |
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 15.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5600K supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 — 66.7% 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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.
| Feature | A8-5600K | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 7560D | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on A8-5600K and Core i7-3520M
