Core i5-520UM vs Core i5-2410M

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 i5-520UM vs Core i5-2410M 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 i5-520UM vs Core i5-2410M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-520UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,943 vs 1,954).

Core i5-2410M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-520UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2410M better than Core i5-520UM?

Yes. Core i5-2410M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i5-2410M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 i5-2410M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2410M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2410M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2410M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-520UM vs Core i5-2410M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-520UM

The Core i5-520UM 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 1.07 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,943 points. Launch price was $241.

Core i5-2410M

The Core i5-2410M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,954 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-520UM and Core i5-2410M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2410M — a 43.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2410M (base: 1.07 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-520UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2410M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Core i5-2410M's 1,954 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2410M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2410M.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Core i5-2410M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	2.9 GHz+55%
Base Clock	1.07 GHz	2.3 GHz+115%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,943	1,954
Geekbench 6 Single	—	444
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	913

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2410M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-520UM versus 1333 on the Core i5-2410M — the Core i5-2410M supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2410M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 100% 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 HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2410M).

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Core i5-2410M
Socket	BGA1288	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	800	1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	8	16+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520UM) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2410M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400; Core i5-2410M rivals AMD A8-3500M.