Core i5-2520M vs Pro A8-8600B

Core i5-2520M vs Pro A8-8600B Performance Spectrum

Core i5-2520M

2 / 4

2,241

+1.7%

2,203

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i5-2520M vs Pro A8-8600B 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 Pro A8-8600B: 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 Pro A8-8600B needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Pro A8-8600B

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.7 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,203 vs 2,241).
❌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 Pro A8-8600B?

Yes. Core i5-2520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i5-2520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% 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 easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-2520M comes in 50.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pro A8-8600B only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Pro A8-8600B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2520M vs Pro A8-8600B 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.

Pro A8-8600B

The Pro A8-8600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 3 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3/DDR3L-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,203 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pro A8-8600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pro A8-8600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 3 GHz on the Pro A8-8600B — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pro A8-8600B uses Carrizo (2015−2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Pro A8-8600B's 2,203 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-2520M.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pro A8-8600B
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	2048 kB+700%
Process	32 nm	28 nm-13%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Carrizo (2015−2018)
PassMark	2,241+2%	2,203

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pro A8-8600B uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pro A8-8600B
Socket	PGA988	FP4
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	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2520M) / not specified (Pro A8-8600B). The Core i5-2520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pro A8-8600B requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pro A8-8600B
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2520M was priced at $225, while the Pro A8-8600B came in at $150. On launch pricing ($225 vs $150), Pro A8-8600B was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2520M delivers 10.0 pts/$ vs 14.7 pts/$ for the Pro A8-8600B — making the Pro A8-8600B the 38.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2520M	Pro A8-8600B
MSRP	$225	$150-33%
Performance per Dollar	10.0	14.7+47%
Release Date	2011	2015

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