Core i5-2520M vs Celeron G3930TE

Core i5-2520M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011

Celeron G3930TE

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2017

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i5-2520M

2 / 4

2,241

+1.0%

2,218

0.0%

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 Celeron G3930TE is on rank 403, so the Celeron G3930TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M

#1071

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2946%

#1072

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2903%

#1073

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2665%

#1074

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2653%

#1075

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2628%

#1077

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

2538%

#1078

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2434%

#1079

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2430%

#1080

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

2364%

#1083

Core i5-2520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#1084

Core i7-2710QE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $40

100%

#1089

Core i5-3610ME

MSRP: $276|Avg: $22

96%

#1090

Core m3-7Y32

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#1092

Celeron B720

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

95%

#1093

Celeron 847

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

95%

#1094

Core i7-2630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

94%

#1096

Core i7-2635QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

94%

#1097

Celeron 877

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

94%

#1098

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300

MSRP: $134|Avg: $50

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3930TE

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

5903%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

5577%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

4050%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1220%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

966%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

845%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

484%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

478%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

435%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

435%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

430%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

419%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

413%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

411%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

407%

#226

Ryzen 5 1600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $144

99%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

100%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

100%

#336

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

99%

#337

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

98%

#338

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

98%

#339

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

98%

#340

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

98%

#341

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

97%

#403

Celeron G3930TE

MSRP: $42|Avg: $29

100%

#411

Core i3-8100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $45

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Celeron G3930TE (2017) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4-2133, DDR3L-1600, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i5-2520M	Celeron G3930TE
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($225)	✅ More affordable ($29)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)	✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-2520M (2011) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i5-2520M	Celeron G3930TE
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+668%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($225)	✅ More affordable ($29)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i5-2520M Benchmark Check

Celeron G3930TE Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2520M and Celeron G3930TE

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.

Celeron G3930TE

The Celeron G3930TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,218 points. Launch price was $42.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G3930TE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930TE — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron G3930TE uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Celeron G3930TE's 2,218 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2520M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M vs 2 MB on the Celeron G3930TE.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Celeron G3930TE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+19%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.7 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,241+1%	2,218
Geekbench 6 Single	—	548
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	948

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3930TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2520M versus DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930TE — the Core i5-2520M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M) and H110,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3930TE).

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Celeron G3930TE
Socket	PGA988	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333+33225%	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	16	64 GB+419430300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	✅
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2520M) vs VT-x (Celeron G3930TE). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) and HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3930TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930TE targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Celeron G3930TE rivals Pentium G4560T.