Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Core i5-520UM
Core 2 Quad Q8300
Core i5-520UM
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 Quad Q8300 is positioned at rank 985 and the Core i5-520UM is on rank 130, so the Core i5-520UM 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 Quad Q8300
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-520UM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i5-520UM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i5-520UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Quad Q8300 and Core i5-520UM
Core 2 Quad Q8300
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,917 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i5-520UM
The Core i5-520UM 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 1.07 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,943 points. Launch price was $241.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-520UM offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 versus 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM — a 28.8% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q8300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.07 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-520UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 scores 1,917 against the Core i5-520UM's 1,943 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-520UM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i5-520UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+34% | 1.87 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+134% | 1.07 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+700% | 512 kB |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,917 | 1,943+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-520UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i5-520UM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q8300) / true (Core i5-520UM). The Core i5-520UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Quad Q8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i5-520UM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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