Athlon X4 750K vs Core i7-3520M

CPU

GPU

Athlon X4 750K

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 4 GHz2012

Similar parts

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Core i7-3520M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012

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Athlon X4 750K vs Core i7-3520M Performance Spectrum

Athlon X4 750K

4 / 4

2,879

+1.3%

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.

Athlon X4 750K 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.

Athlon X4 750K 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.

Athlon X4 750K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $255 less on MSRP ($91 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 285.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.6 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($91 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Athlon X4 750K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon X4 750K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,842 vs 2,879).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 31.6 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $91 MSRP).
❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 750K better than Core i7-3520M?

Yes. Athlon X4 750K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.3% 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, Athlon X4 750K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.9% 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, Athlon X4 750K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Athlon X4 750K is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 750K comes in $255 cheaper on MSRP at $91 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 285.2% better value on MSRP (31.6 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Athlon X4 750K 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.

Athlon X4 750K vs Core i7-3520M Technical Specifications

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

Athlon X4 750K

The Athlon X4 750K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,879 points. Launch price was $149.

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 Athlon X4 750K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon X4 750K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Athlon X4 750K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 750K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Athlon X4 750K uses the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 750K scores 2,879 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 1.3% lead for the Athlon X4 750K.

Feature	Athlon X4 750K	Core i7-3520M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4 GHz+11%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)	256K (per core)+6300%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Trinity (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,879+1%	2,842

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 750K 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 DDR3-1866 on the Athlon X4 750K versus 1600 on the Core i7-3520M — the Athlon X4 750K supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X4 750K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2 (Athlon X4 750K) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M).

Feature	Athlon X4 750K	Core i7-3520M
Socket	FM2	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 750K) / true (Core i7-3520M). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Athlon X4 750K requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Athlon X4 750K	Core i7-3520M
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 750K was priced at $91, while the Core i7-3520M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($91 vs $346), Athlon X4 750K was $255 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 750K delivers 31.6 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-3520M — making the Athlon X4 750K the 117.6% better value option.

Feature	Athlon X4 750K	Core i7-3520M
MSRP	$91-74%	$346
Performance per Dollar	31.6+285%	8.2
Release Date	2012	2012

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