Core i3-3220T vs Turion II M520

Core i3-3220T vs Turion II M520 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3220T

2 / 4

1,953

0.0%

1,955

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-3220T vs Turion II M520 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 Turion II M520: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Turion II M520 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Turion II M520.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,953 vs 1,955).
❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Turion II M520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Turion II M520

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220T better than Turion II M520?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3220T is ahead with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion II M520 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Turion II M520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 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 $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Turion II M520 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220T vs Turion II M520 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.

Turion II M520

The Turion II M520 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,955 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3220T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II M520's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 2.3 GHz on the Turion II M520 — a 19.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T. The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion II M520 uses Caspian (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Turion II M520's 1,955 — a 0.1% lead for the Turion II M520.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Turion II M520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+22%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Caspian (2009)
PassMark	1,953	1,955
Geekbench 6 Single	465	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Turion II M520 uses S1g3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Turion II M520
Socket	LGA1155	S1g3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) / not specified (Turion II M520). The Core i3-3220T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Turion II M520 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500.