Core i5-520M vs Xeon L5335

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 Xeon L5335 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 Xeon L5335: 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

✅Costs $155 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).
✅Delivers 67.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.7 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 50W, a 15W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Xeon L5335 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,727 vs 1,737).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5335, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon L5335

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($380 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌42.9% higher power demand at 50W vs 35W.
❌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 Xeon L5335?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5335 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-520M is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L5335 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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 $155 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $380 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon L5335 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 67.9% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 4.6 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520M vs Xeon L5335 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.

Xeon L5335

The Xeon L5335 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 August 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 50 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,737 points. Launch price was $380.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5335 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon L5335 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-520M versus 2 GHz on the Xeon L5335 — 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 Xeon L5335 uses Clovertown (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520M scores 1,727 against the Xeon L5335's 1,737 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon L5335. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520M vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon L5335.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Xeon L5335
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+47%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB L2 Cache+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB	4 MB (total)+700%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Clovertown (2006−2007)
PassMark	1,727	1,737
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 Xeon L5335 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Xeon L5335
Socket	PGA988	LGA771
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 (Xeon L5335). The Core i5-520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Xeon L5335 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Xeon L5335
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-520M was priced at $225, while the Xeon L5335 came in at $380. On launch pricing ($225 vs $380), Core i5-520M was $155 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-520M delivers 7.7 pts/$ vs 4.6 pts/$ for the Xeon L5335 — making the Core i5-520M the 50.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-520M	Xeon L5335
MSRP	$225-41%	$380
Performance per Dollar	7.7+67%	4.6
Release Date	2010	2007

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