Core 2 Duo T5750 vs Core i5-520M

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.

Core 2 Duo T5750 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.

Core 2 Duo T5750 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.

Core 2 Duo T5750

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (680 vs 695).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-520M

2010

Why buy it

✅+2.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Core 2 Duo T5750 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5750 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-520M better than Core 2 Duo T5750?

Yes. Core i5-520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.2% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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 2.2% 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?

Core i5-520M is the better buy right now. Core i5-520M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T5750 vs Core i5-520M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5750

The Core 2 Duo T5750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,738 points. Launch price was $249.

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 Core 2 Duo T5750 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-520M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5750 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M — a 37.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5750 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-520M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5750 scores 1,738 against the Core i5-520M's 1,727 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5750. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 360 vs 360, a 0% lead for the Core i5-520M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 680 vs 695 (2.2% advantage for the Core i5-520M). L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5750 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5750	Core i5-520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.93 GHz+47%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.4 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	3 MB+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB+300%	512 kB
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,738	1,727
Geekbench 6 Single	360	360
Geekbench 6 Multi	680	695+2%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5750 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T5750 versus 1066 on the Core i5-520M — the Core i5-520M supports 59.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-520M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T5750) vs 16 (Core i5-520M) — the Core i5-520M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T5750) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5750	Core i5-520M
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	1066+60%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	8 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: None (Core 2 Duo T5750) vs true (Core i5-520M). The Core i5-520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo T5750 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T5750 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.