Core i5-480M vs Pentium E5200

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 i5-480M vs Pentium E5200 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 i5-480M vs Pentium E5200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $3 less on MSRP ($81 MSRP vs $84 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Pentium E5200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium E5200

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,315 vs 1,327).
❌
3.7% HIGHER MSRP
$84 MSRPvs$81 MSRP
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-480M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-480M better than Pentium E5200?

Yes. Core i5-480M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-480M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-480M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-480M is the better buy right now. Core i5-480M comes in $3 cheaper on MSRP at $81 MSRP versus $84 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4.7% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 15.7 PassMark/$), 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 i5-480M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-480M vs Pentium E5200 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

Pentium E5200

The Pentium E5200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Agosto 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,315 points. Launch price was $99.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-480M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium E5200's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M versus 2.5 GHz on the Pentium E5200 — a 15.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-480M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-480M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium E5200 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-480M scores 1,327 against the Pentium E5200's 1,315 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-480M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-480M vs 0 kB on the Pentium E5200.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Pentium E5200
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+17%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+6%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (total)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,327	1,315

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-480M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium E5200 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Pentium E5200
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-480M) / not specified (Pentium E5200). The Core i5-480M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Pentium E5200 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Pentium E5200
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-480M was priced at $81, while the Pentium E5200 came in at $84. On launch pricing ($81 vs $84), Core i5-480M was $3 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-480M delivers 16.4 pts/$ vs 15.7 pts/$ for the Pentium E5200 — making the Core i5-480M the 4.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Pentium E5200
MSRP	$81-4%	$84
Performance per Dollar	16.4+4%	15.7
Release Date	2011	2008

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