Core i5-4278U 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 i5-4278U 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 i5-4278U 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 i5-4278U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3520M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,826 vs 2,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Core i5-4278U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3520M better than Core i5-4278U?

Yes. Core i7-3520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% 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 4.1% 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 i7-3520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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 the better buy right now. Core i7-3520M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4278U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4278U vs Core i7-3520M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4278U

The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.

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 i5-4278U and Core i7-3520M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-4278U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-3520M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4278U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Core i7-3520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.6 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.9 GHz+12%
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	2,826	2,842
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,688	—
Geekbench 6 Single	889	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,860	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4278U uses the FCBGA1168 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. The Core i7-3520M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4278U) vs 16 (Core i7-3520M) — the Core i7-3520M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4278U) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M).

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Core i7-3520M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4278U) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.