Core i5-2520M vs Core i7-3555LE

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 i7-3555LE 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 i7-3555LE: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 33.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.0 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-3555LE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.

Core i7-3555LE

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,238 vs 2,241).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2520M better than Core i7-3555LE?

Yes. Core i5-2520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-2520M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2520M comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 33.5% better value on MSRP (10.0 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-3555LE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2520M vs Core i7-3555LE 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 i7-3555LE

The Core i7-3555LE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,238 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2520M and Core i7-3555LE share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3555LE — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3555LE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Core i7-3555LE's 2,238 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2520M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3555LE.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i7-3555LE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,241	2,238

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3555LE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i7-3555LE
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2520M) / not specified (Core i7-3555LE). The Core i5-2520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-3555LE requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i7-3555LE
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2520M was priced at $225, while the Core i7-3555LE came in at $300. On launch pricing ($225 vs $300), Core i5-2520M was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2520M delivers 10.0 pts/$ vs 7.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-3555LE — making the Core i5-2520M the 28.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Core i7-3555LE
MSRP	$225-25%	$300
Performance per Dollar	10.0+33%	7.5
Release Date	2011	2012

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