CPU
GPU
Core i5-520M
A6-9500E
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 A6-9500E is on rank 609, so the A6-9500E 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 A6-9500E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-520M | A6-9500E |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-520M | A6-9500E |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-520M and A6-9500E
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.
A6-9500E
The A6-9500E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 1,741 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-9500E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 3.4 GHz on the A6-9500E — a 14.8% clock advantage for the A6-9500E (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-520M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the A6-9500E uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the A6-9500E's 1,741 — a 0.8% lead for the A6-9500E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520M vs 0 kB on the A6-9500E.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-9500E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.4 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1024 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 1,727 | 1,741 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 360 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 695 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A6-9500E uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-520M versus DDR4-2400 on the A6-9500E — the Core i5-520M supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-9500E supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-520M) vs 8 (A6-9500E) — the Core i5-520M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M) and AMD AM4 (A6-9500E).
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-9500E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+26550% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 32 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-520M) / not specified (A6-9500E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520M) and AMD Radeon R5 (A6-9500E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | A6-9500E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | AMD Radeon R5 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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