Core i5-520M vs Turion X2 RM-74

Core i5-520M vs Turion X2 RM-74 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-520M

2 / 4

1,727

0.0%

1,740

+0.8%

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 X2 RM-74 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 X2 RM-74: 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 X2 RM-74 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Turion X2 RM-74 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,727 vs 1,740).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Turion X2 RM-74 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Turion X2 RM-74

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion X2 RM-74 better than Core i5-520M?

Yes. Turion X2 RM-74 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Turion X2 RM-74 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.6% 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, Turion X2 RM-74 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion X2 RM-74 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Turion X2 RM-74 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-520M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520M vs Turion X2 RM-74 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 X2 RM-74

The Turion X2 RM-74 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,740 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion X2 RM-74's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 2.2 GHz on the Turion X2 RM-74 — 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 X2 RM-74 uses Lion (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the Turion X2 RM-74's 1,740 — a 0.7% lead for the Turion X2 RM-74. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520M vs 0 kB on the Turion X2 RM-74.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Turion X2 RM-74
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+33%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB+100%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Lion (2008−2009)
PassMark	1,727	1,740
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 X2 RM-74 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Turion X2 RM-74
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 X2 RM-74). The Core i5-520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Turion X2 RM-74 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.