Core i3-3220T vs Core i5-520UM

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 i3-3220T vs Core i5-520UM 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 i3-3220T vs Core i5-520UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3220T

2012

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-520UM.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Core i5-520UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Core i5-520UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,943 vs 1,953).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220T better than Core i5-520UM?

Yes. Core i3-3220T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, 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 i3-3220T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% more average FPS across 21 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3220T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3220T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3220T 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 i3-3220T vs Core i5-520UM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220T

The Core i3-3220T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,953 points. Launch price was $201.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3220T and Core i5-520UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM — a 39.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.07 GHz). The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-520UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Core i5-520UM's 1,943 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-3220T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-520UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+50%	1.87 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+162%	1.07 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,953	1,943
Geekbench 6 Single	465	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-520UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220T versus 800 on the Core i5-520UM — the Core i3-3220T supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3220T 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: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220T) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-520UM).

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-520UM
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+100%	800
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, EPT (Core i3-3220T) vs true (Core i5-520UM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3220T) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500; Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-520UM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—