Core i3-5020U vs Core i5-8200Y

Intel

Core i3-5020U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-8200Y

2 Cores4 Thrd5 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i3-5020U vs Core i5-8200Y Performance Spectrum

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 i3-5020U vs Core i5-8200Y 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 i3-5020U vs Core i5-8200Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5020U

2015

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (600 vs 858).
    • Lower PassMark (2,232 vs 2,245).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
    • 10140% higher power demand at 512W vs 5W.

    Core i5-8200Y

    2018

    Why buy it

    • +43% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
    • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
    • Draws 5W instead of 512W, a 507W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-8200Y better than Core i3-5020U?
    Yes. Core i5-8200Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i5-8200Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-8200Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i5-8200Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-8200Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i5-8200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), 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 i3-5020U vs Core i5-8200Y Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    Intel

    Core i5-8200Y

    The Core i5-8200Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,245 points. Launch price was $291.

    Processing Power

    Both the Core i3-5020U and Core i5-8200Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-5020U versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-8200Y — a 55.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-8200Y (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i3-5020U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-8200Y uses Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5020U scores 2,232 against the Core i5-8200Y's 2,245 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-8200Y. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 858, a 35.4% lead for the Core i5-8200Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5020U vs 4 MB on the Core i5-8200Y.

    FeatureCore i3-5020UCore i5-8200Y
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    2.2 GHz
    3.9 GHz+77%
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz+69%
    1.3 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)
    4 MB+33%
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    512 kB+100%
    Process
    14 nm
    14 nm
    Architecture
    Broadwell-U (2015)
    Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)
    PassMark
    2,232
    2,245
    Geekbench 6 Single
    600
    858+43%
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    1,200
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i3-5020U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8200Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5020U versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-8200Y — the Core i5-8200Y supports 16.6% 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 10 (Core i5-8200Y) — the Core i3-5020U offers 2 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i3-5020U) and Amber Lake-Y (Core i5-8200Y).

    FeatureCore i3-5020UCore i5-8200Y
    Socket
    FCBGA1168
    FCBGA1515
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3L-1600
    LPDDR3-1866+17%
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    16 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    12+20%
    10
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5020U) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8200Y). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5020U) and UHD Graphics 615 (Core i5-8200Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5020U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i5-8200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-8200Y rivals Athlon 300U.

    FeatureCore i3-5020UCore i5-8200Y
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics 5500
    UHD Graphics 615
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    VT-x, VT-d, EPT
    Target Use
    Mainstream Laptop
    Tablet/2-in-1