Core i5-2520M vs Pentium P6100

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 Pentium P6100 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 Pentium P6100: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium P6100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,241 vs 2,245).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 22.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Pentium P6100

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $125 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 125.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.4 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium P6100 better than Core i5-2520M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2520M is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium P6100 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium P6100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium P6100 is the better buy right now. Pentium P6100 comes in $125 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2520M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 125.4% better value on MSRP (22.4 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2520M vs Pentium P6100 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.

Pentium P6100

The Pentium P6100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 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: 2,245 points. Launch price was $12.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium P6100's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 2 GHz on the Pentium P6100 — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium P6100 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Pentium P6100's 2,245 — a 0.2% lead for the Pentium P6100. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pentium P6100
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,241	2,245

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pentium P6100
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
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 (Pentium P6100). The Core i5-2520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium P6100 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pentium P6100
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 Pentium P6100 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($225 vs $100), Pentium P6100 was $125 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2520M delivers 10.0 pts/$ vs 22.4 pts/$ for the Pentium P6100 — making the Pentium P6100 the 77.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pentium P6100
MSRP	$225	$100-56%
Performance per Dollar	10.0	22.4+124%
Release Date	2011	2010

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