Core i5-2520M vs Core i3-5020U
Core i5-2520M
Core i3-5020U
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 Core i3-5020U is on rank 598, 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 i5-2520M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-5020U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Core i3-5020U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Core i3-5020U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Core i3-5020U
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-2520M and Core i3-5020U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-5020U — a 37% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-5020U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Core i3-5020U's 2,232 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2520M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Core i3-5020U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+45% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+14% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Broadwell-U (2015) |
| PassMark | 2,241 | 2,232 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-5020U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2520M versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5020U — 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2520M) vs 12 (Core i3-5020U) — the Core i5-2520M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M) and Broadwell-U (Core i3-5020U).
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Core i3-5020U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2520M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5020U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) and Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5020U) — 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 i5-2520M | Core i3-5020U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 5500 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Laptop |
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