Core i5-2520M vs Core i5-8200Y

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 i5-2520M 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 i5-2520M 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 i5-2520M

2011

Why buy it

✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,241 vs 2,245).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-8200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌600% higher power demand at 35W vs 5W.

Core i5-8200Y

2018

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 35W, a 30W 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 i5-2520M?

Yes. Core i5-8200Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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 0.4% 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 0.2% 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 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-8200Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2520M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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 2011), 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 i5-2520M vs Core i5-8200Y Technical Specifications

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

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 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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2520M and Core i5-8200Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-8200Y — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-8200Y (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-8200Y uses Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Core i5-8200Y's 2,245 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-8200Y. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M vs 4 MB on the Core i5-8200Y.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i5-8200Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.9 GHz+22%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+92%	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)
PassMark	2,241	2,245
Geekbench 6 Single	—	858

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-8200Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2520M versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-8200Y — the Core i5-8200Y supports 40% 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: 16 (Core i5-2520M) vs 10 (Core i5-8200Y) — the Core i5-2520M offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M) and Amber Lake-Y (Core i5-8200Y).

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i5-8200Y
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	LPDDR3-1866+40%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+60%	10

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2520M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8200Y). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) and UHD Graphics 615 (Core i5-8200Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Core i5-8200Y rivals Athlon 300U.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i5-8200Y
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	UHD Graphics 615
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Tablet/2-in-1