Core 2 Duo T6500 vs Core i5-2520M
Core 2 Duo T6500
Core i5-2520M
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 Core 2 Duo T6500 is positioned at rank 178 and the Core i5-2520M is on rank 1083, so the Core 2 Duo T6500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T6500
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6500 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6500 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 Core 2 Duo T6500 and Core i5-2520M
Core 2 Duo T6500
The Core 2 Duo T6500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,249 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i5-2520M
The Core i5-2520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,241 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T6500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2520M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6500 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M — a 41.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6500 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-2520M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6500 scores 2,249 against the Core i5-2520M's 2,241 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6500. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6500 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+52% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.5 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,249 | 2,241 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T6500 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-2520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T6500 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2520M — the Core i5-2520M supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2520M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6500) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6500 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1333+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Core 2 Duo T6500) vs true (Core i5-2520M). The Core i5-2520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo T6500 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6500 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | false | true |
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