Core i3-3210 vs Core i5-2520M
Core i3-3210
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 i3-3210 is positioned at rank 814 and the Core i5-2520M is on rank 1083, so the Core i3-3210 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3210
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3210 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3210 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+795%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ 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 i3-3210 and Core i5-2520M
Core i3-3210
The Core i3-3210 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (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: 2,229 points. Launch price was $120.
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
Both the Core i3-3210 and Core i5-2520M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-3210 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-3210 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2520M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3210 scores 2,229 against the Core i5-2520M's 2,241 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-2520M. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total) on the Core i3-3210 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M.
| Feature | Core i3-3210 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3072 kB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,229 | 2,241 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 505 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,113 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3210 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3210 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2520M — the Core i5-2520M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3210 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B75,H77 (Core i3-3210) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M).
| Feature | Core i3-3210 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+209715100% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3210) vs true (Core i5-2520M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3210) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3210 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3210 rivals Ryzen 3 1200; Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i3-3210 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3210 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core i5-2520M debuted at $225.
| Feature | Core i3-3210 | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-48% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25 | — |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-3210 and Core i5-2520M
