Core i5-520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64

Core i5-520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-520M

2 / 4

1,727

+0.1%

1,726

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i5-520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64 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 i5-520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-520M

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Turion 64 X2 TL-64 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Turion 64 X2 TL-64 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Turion 64 X2 TL-64

2007

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,726 vs 1,727).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-520M better than Turion 64 X2 TL-64?

Yes. Core i5-520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i5-520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-520M is the better buy right now. Core i5-520M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007) 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 i5-520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Turion 64 X2 TL-64

The Turion 64 X2 TL-64 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Trinidad (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,726 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion 64 X2 TL-64's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 2.2 GHz on the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-520M. The Core i5-520M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 uses Trinidad (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the Turion 64 X2 TL-64's 1,726 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-520M.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Turion 64 X2 TL-64
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+33%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB+100%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Trinidad (2006−2007)
PassMark	1,727	1,726
Geekbench 6 Single	360	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	695	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Turion 64 X2 TL-64
Socket	PGA988	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
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 i5-520M) / not specified (Turion 64 X2 TL-64). The Core i5-520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.