Core i3-3120M 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 i3-3120M 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 i3-3120M 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 i3-3120M

2012

Why buy it

✅+22.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i5-520M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (360 vs 440).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (695 vs 930).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i3-3120M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3120M better than Core i5-520M?

Yes. Core i3-3120M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 33.8% 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?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3120M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3120M is the stronger fit. You are getting 33.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3120M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3120M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-520M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i3-3120M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3120M vs Core i5-520M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3120M

The Core i3-3120M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,709 points. Launch price was $160.

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

Both the Core i3-3120M and Core i5-520M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M — a 15.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-3120M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-520M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Core i5-520M's 1,727 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-520M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 440 vs 360, a 20% lead for the Core i3-3120M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 930 vs 695 (28.9% advantage for the Core i3-3120M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520M.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Core i5-520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	2.93 GHz+17%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+4%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,709	1,727+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	440+22%	360
Geekbench 6 Multi	930+34%	695

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3120M versus 1066 on the Core i5-520M — the Core i3-3120M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3120M 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: HM76,HM77 (Core i3-3120M) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M).

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Core i5-520M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+50%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) vs true (Core i5-520M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3120M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M; Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Core i5-520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Budget Laptop	—