CPU
GPU
Core i5-520M
Athlon II X3 440
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 Athlon II X3 440 is on rank 722, so the Athlon II X3 440 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 Athlon II X3 440
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-520M | Athlon II X3 440 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Rana (2009−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-520M | Athlon II X3 440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2171%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-520M and Athlon II X3 440
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.
Athlon II X3 440
The Athlon II X3 440 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,743 points. Launch price was $47.
Processing Power
The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon II X3 440 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Athlon II X3 440 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 3 GHz on the Athlon II X3 440 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 440 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-520M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon II X3 440 uses Rana (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the Athlon II X3 440's 1,743 — a 0.9% lead for the Athlon II X3 440. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520M vs 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 440.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Athlon II X3 440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 3 / 3+50% |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Rana (2009−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,727 | 1,743 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 360 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 695 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon II X3 440 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-520M versus DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 440 — the Core i5-520M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X3 440 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 0 (Athlon II X3 440) — the Core i5-520M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M) and AMD AM3 (Athlon II X3 440).
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Athlon II X3 440 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 32 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-520M) / not specified (Athlon II X3 440). The Core i5-520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon II X3 440 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Athlon II X3 440 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-520M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Athlon II X3 440 debuted at $75.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Athlon II X3 440 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $75-67% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $10 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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