Core i5-520UM vs Core i3-3220T

Both the Core i5-520UM and Core i3-3220T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T — a 39.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T (base: 1.07 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-520UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3220T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Core i3-3220T's 1,953 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-3220T. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T.

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3220T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-520UM versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220T — the Core i5-520UM supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3220T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-520UM) and B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220T).

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-520UM) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520UM) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3220T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400; Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500.