Core i5-2520M vs Xeon X5472
Core i5-2520M
Xeon X5472
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 Xeon X5472 is on rank 835, so the Xeon X5472 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 Xeon X5472
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Xeon X5472 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2520M | Xeon X5472 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Xeon X5472
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.
Xeon X5472
The Xeon X5472 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,243 points. Launch price was $958.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5472 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5472 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M versus 3 GHz on the Xeon X5472 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-2520M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5472 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2520M scores 2,241 against the Xeon X5472's 2,243 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X5472. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5472.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Xeon X5472 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+7% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 12 MB L2 Cache+300% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Harpertown (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,241 | 2,243 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5472 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Xeon X5472 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA771 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-2520M) / not specified (Xeon X5472). The Core i5-2520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon X5472 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i5-2520M | Xeon X5472 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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