Core i3-4130T vs Core i7-3520M
Core i3-4130T
Core i7-3520M
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 i3-4130T is positioned at rank 723 and the Core i7-3520M is on rank 1127, so the Core i3-4130T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4130T
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4130T | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4130T | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3401%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
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 i3-4130T and Core i7-3520M
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.
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 | — |
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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4130T versus 1600 on the Core i7-3520M — the Core i7-3520M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4130T launched at $124 MSRP, while the Core i7-3520M debuted at $346.
| Feature | Core i3-4130T | Core i7-3520M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $124-64% | $346 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | — |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-4130T and Core i7-3520M
