
Core i5-520M

Core 2 Duo T5750
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 Core 2 Duo T5750 is on rank 28, so the Core 2 Duo T5750 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 Core 2 Duo T5750
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-520M | Core 2 Duo T5750 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($8) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-520M | Core 2 Duo T5750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2730%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($8) |
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 Core 2 Duo T5750

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.

Core 2 Duo T5750
The Core 2 Duo T5750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,738 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T5750's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5750 — a 37.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-520M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5750 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the Core 2 Duo T5750's 1,738 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5750. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 360 vs 360, a 0% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5750 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 695 vs 680 (2.2% advantage for the Core i5-520M). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520M vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5750.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Core 2 Duo T5750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz+47% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+20% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB+50% | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,727 | 1,738 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 360 | 360 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 695+2% | 680 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5750 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-520M versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T5750 — the Core i5-520M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-520M supports up to 8 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-520M) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo T5750) — the Core i5-520M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-520M) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T5750).
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Core 2 Duo T5750 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+53200% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 4 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-520M) vs None (Core 2 Duo T5750). The Core i5-520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo T5750 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T5750 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.
| Feature | Core i5-520M | Core 2 Duo T5750 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | None |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Laptop |
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