Core i5-520UM vs Core i5-2415M

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 i5-2415M 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 i5-2415M: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-2415M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,933 vs 1,943).
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-520UM better than Core i5-2415M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2415M is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-520UM pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-520UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-520UM still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-520UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-2415M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520UM vs Core i5-2415M 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 i5-2415M

The Core i5-2415M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 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: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,933 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-520UM and Core i5-2415M 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 i5-2415M — a 43.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2415M (base: 1.07 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-520UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2415M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Core i5-2415M's 1,933 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-520UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2415M.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Core i5-2415M
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	1,933

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2415M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-520UM versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2415M — the Core i5-2415M supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2415M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Core i5-2415M
Socket	BGA1288	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	800	DDR3-1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-520UM) vs VT-x (Core i5-2415M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520UM) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2415M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2415M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.