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 i3-4130T vs Core i7-3520M 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 i3-4130T vs Core i7-3520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4130T

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $222 less on MSRP ($124 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 182.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($124 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3520M.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,842 vs 2,876).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $124 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4130T better than Core i7-3520M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3520M is ahead with a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4130T pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Core i7-3520M also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4130T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4130T is the better buy right now. Core i3-4130T comes in $222 cheaper on MSRP at $124 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3520M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 182.4% better value on MSRP (23.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4130T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) 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 i3-4130T vs Core i7-3520M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4130T

The Core i3-4130T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,876 points. Launch price was $270.

Core i7-3520M

The Core i7-3520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 2,842 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4130T and Core i7-3520M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-4130T versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-4130T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4130T scores 2,876 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-4130T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130T vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-3520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.6 GHz+24%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,876+1%	2,842
Geekbench 6 Single	890	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4130T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4130T) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M).

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-3520M
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4130T) vs true (Core i7-3520M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4130T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130T rivals A8-7600; Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-3520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4130T was priced at $124, while the Core i7-3520M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($124 vs $346), Core i3-4130T was $222 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4130T delivers 23.2 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-3520M — making the Core i3-4130T the 95.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-3520M
MSRP	$124-64%	$346
Performance per Dollar	23.2+183%	8.2
Release Date	2013	2012

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