Core i5-2520M vs Celeron G4900T
Core i5-2520M
Celeron G4900T
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. The Core i5-2520M is positioned at rank #1083 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G4900T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Celeron G4900T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Celeron G4900T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+462%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 Celeron G4900T
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 G4900T
The Celeron G4900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,239 points. Launch price was $42.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G4900T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G4900T — 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 Celeron G4900T uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Celeron G4900T's 2,239 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2520M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900T.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Celeron G4900T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+10% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.9 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 2,241 | 2,239 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 623 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,040 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G4900T 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 G4900T — the Core i5-2520M supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G4900T 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 H310,B360,B365,H370,Z370,Z390 (Celeron G4900T).
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Celeron G4900T |
|---|---|---|
| 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 G4900T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) and UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G4900T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4900T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Celeron G4900T rivals Pentium G5400T.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Celeron G4900T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | UHD Graphics 610 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2520M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Celeron G4900T debuted at $42.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Celeron G4900T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $42-81% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $40 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2018 |
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