Core i5-4200M vs Core i7-3520M

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 i5-4200M vs Core i7-3520M 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 i5-4200M vs Core i7-3520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-4200M

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $121 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.5 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3520M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,809 vs 2,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 12.5 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3520M better than Core i5-4200M?

Yes. Core i7-3520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.6% 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 i7-3520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% 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 i7-3520M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3520M comes in 53.8% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4200M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 52.0% better value on paper (12.5 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.

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

Core i5-4200M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4200M vs Core i7-3520M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4200M

The Core i5-4200M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-3520M

The Core i7-3520M 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,842 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4200M and Core i7-3520M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-4200M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4200M scores 2,809 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3520M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4200M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i7-3520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.6 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,809	2,842+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4200M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i7-3520M
Socket	PGA946	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M) vs true (Core i7-3520M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4200M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i7-3520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Mobile	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4200M was priced at $225, while the Core i7-3520M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($225 vs $346), Core i5-4200M was $121 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4200M delivers 12.5 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-3520M — making the Core i5-4200M the 41.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4200M	Core i7-3520M
MSRP	$225-35%	$346
Performance per Dollar	12.5+52%	8.2
Release Date	2013	2012

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