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.

Celeron G1630 vs Core i5-520M 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.

Celeron G1630 vs Core i5-520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1630

2013

Why buy it

✅+7.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $183 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 429.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 40.6 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (635 vs 695).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Core i5-520M

2010

Why buy it

✅+9.4% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (360 vs 386).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 40.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G1630 better than Core i5-520M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G1630 is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-520M pulls ahead with 9.4% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-520M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 9.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Celeron G1630 is the better buy right now. Celeron G1630 comes in $183 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-520M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 9.4% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 429.5% better value on MSRP (40.6 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron G1630 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G1630 vs Core i5-520M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G1630

The Celeron G1630 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,707 points. Launch price was $80.

Core i5-520M

The Core i5-520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,727 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G1630 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-520M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G1630 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Celeron G1630 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-520M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1630 scores 1,707 against the Core i5-520M's 1,727 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-520M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 386 vs 360, a 7% lead for the Celeron G1630 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 635 vs 695 (9% advantage for the Core i5-520M). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G1630 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520M.

Feature	Celeron G1630	Core i5-520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.93 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+17%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,707	1,727+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	386+7%	360
Geekbench 6 Multi	635	695+9%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G1630 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G1630 versus 1066 on the Core i5-520M — the Celeron G1630 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G1630 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Celeron G1630) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M).

Feature	Celeron G1630	Core i5-520M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G1630) vs true (Core i5-520M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) (Celeron G1630) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1630 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1630 rivals Pentium G2030; Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Celeron G1630	Core i5-520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G1630 was priced at $42, while the Core i5-520M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($42 vs $225), Celeron G1630 was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G1630 delivers 40.6 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-520M — making the Celeron G1630 the 136.5% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G1630	Core i5-520M
MSRP	$42-81%	$225
Performance per Dollar	40.6+427%	7.7
Release Date	2013	2010

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