CPU
GPU
Core i5-2520M
Athlon II X4 635
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 i5-2520M is positioned at rank 1083 and the Athlon II X4 635 is on rank 1069, so the Athlon II X4 635 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X4 635
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Athlon II X4 635 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($225) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Propus (2009−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Athlon II X4 635 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+11%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($225) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
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 i5-2520M and Athlon II X4 635
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.
Athlon II X4 635
The Athlon II X4 635 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,248 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon II X4 635 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon II X4 635 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 2.9 GHz on the Athlon II X4 635 — a 9.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X4 635 uses Propus (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Athlon II X4 635's 2,248 — a 0.3% lead for the Athlon II X4 635. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M vs 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 635.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Athlon II X4 635 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+10% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.9 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Propus (2009−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,241 | 2,248 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 658 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 180 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 550 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X4 635 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2520M versus DDR3-1333 / DDR2-1066 on the Athlon II X4 635 — the Core i5-2520M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M) and AMD 770,785G,790FX,880G,890FX,970,990FX (Athlon II X4 635).
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Athlon II X4 635 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 / DDR2-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Athlon II X4 635 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2520M) vs AMD-V (Athlon II X4 635). The Core i5-2520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon II X4 635 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon II X4 635 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Athlon II X4 635 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2520M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Athlon II X4 635 debuted at $400.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Athlon II X4 635 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-44% | $400 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $250 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2010 |
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