CPU
GPU
Core i3-5020U
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 i3-5020U is positioned at rank 598 and the Core i5-2520M is on rank 1083, so the Core i3-5020U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-5020U
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-5020U | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-5020U | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 i3-5020U and Core i5-2520M
Core i3-5020U
The Core i3-5020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,232 points. Launch price was $281.
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 i3-5020U and Core i5-2520M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-5020U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M — a 37% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-5020U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2520M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5020U scores 2,232 against the Core i5-2520M's 2,241 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2520M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-5020U | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz+45% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.5 GHz+14% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-U (2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,232 | 2,241 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-5020U uses the FCBGA1168 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 DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5020U 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. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5020U) vs 16 (Core i5-2520M) — the Core i5-2520M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i3-5020U) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M).
| Feature | Core i3-5020U | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+104857500% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5020U) vs true (Core i5-2520M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5020U) 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 i3-5020U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i3-5020U | Core i5-2520M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 5500 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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