CPU
GPU
Core i5-520M
A6-3600
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 i5-520M is positioned at rank 1139 and the A6-3600 is on rank 613, so the A6-3600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-520M
Performance Per Dollar A6-3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-520M | A6-3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-520M | A6-3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+795%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-520M and A6-3600
Core i5-520M
The Core i5-520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,727 points. Launch price was $225.
A6-3600
The A6-3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A6-3600 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 2.4 GHz on the A6-3600 — a 19.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-520M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the A6-3600 uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the A6-3600's 1,718 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-520M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 360 vs 253, a 34.9% lead for the Core i5-520M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520M vs 0 kB on the A6-3600.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz+22% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+14% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,727 | 1,718 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 360+42% | 253 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 695 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A6-3600 uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-520M versus DDR3-1866 on the A6-3600 — the Core i5-520M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-3600 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M) and A55,A75 (A6-3600).
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-520M) vs AMD-V (A6-3600). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520M) and Radeon HD 6530D (A6-3600) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660; A6-3600 rivals Pentium G630.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Radeon HD 6530D |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-520M launched at $225 MSRP, while the A6-3600 debuted at $95.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $95-58% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $25 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-520M and A6-3600
