Atom Z3735G vs Core i7-3520M
Atom Z3735G
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 Atom Z3735G is positioned at rank 5 and the Core i7-3520M is on rank 1127, so the Atom Z3735G offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z3735G
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom Z3735G | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($17) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom Z3735G | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1970%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($17) | ⚠️ 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 Atom Z3735G and Core i7-3520M
Atom Z3735G
The Atom Z3735G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,891 points. Launch price was $17.
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 Atom Z3735G packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom Z3735G has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Atom Z3735G versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 65.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Atom Z3735G uses the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z3735G scores 2,891 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 1.7% lead for the Atom Z3735G. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Atom Z3735G vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M.
| Feature | Atom Z3735G | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.83 GHz | 3.6 GHz+97% |
| Base Clock | 1.33 GHz | 2.9 GHz+118% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,891+2% | 2,842 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom Z3735G uses the UTFCBGA592 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 DDR3L-RS 1333 on the Atom Z3735G versus 1600 on the Core i7-3520M — the Core i7-3520M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3520M supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 1 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom Z3735G) vs 2 (Core i7-3520M). PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z3735G) vs 16 (Core i7-3520M) — the Core i7-3520M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom Z3735G) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M).
| Feature | Atom Z3735G | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | UTFCBGA592 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-RS 1333 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1 GB+3276700% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z3735G) / true (Core i7-3520M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) (Atom Z3735G) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | Atom Z3735G | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Atom Z3735G launched at $17 MSRP, while the Core i7-3520M debuted at $346.
| Feature | Atom Z3735G | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17-95% | $346 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2012 |
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