Core i5-520UM vs Opteron 3320 EE

Intel

Core i5-520UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.87 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 3320 EE

4 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i5-520UM vs Opteron 3320 EE Performance Spectrum

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 i5-520UM vs Opteron 3320 EE 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 Opteron 3320 EE: 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

  • +1.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 18W instead of 25W, a 7W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Opteron 3320 EE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 3320 EE, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Opteron 3320 EE

2012

Why buy it

  • +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 (1,918 vs 1,943).
  • 38.9% higher power demand at 25W vs 18W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-520UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-520UM better than Opteron 3320 EE?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 3320 EE makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-520UM 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, Core i5-520UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% 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 1.3% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron 3320 EE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520UM vs Opteron 3320 EE Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Opteron 3320 EE

The Opteron 3320 EE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Delhi (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,918 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i5-520UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron 3320 EE offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron 3320 EE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM versus 2.5 GHz on the Opteron 3320 EE — a 28.8% clock advantage for the Opteron 3320 EE (base: 1.07 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i5-520UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Opteron 3320 EE uses Delhi (2012−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Opteron 3320 EE's 1,918 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-520UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM vs 8192 kB (total) on the Opteron 3320 EE.

FeatureCore i5-520UMOpteron 3320 EE
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
1.87 GHz
2.5 GHz+34%
Base Clock
1.07 GHz
1.9 GHz+78%
L3 Cache
3 MB
8192 kB (total)+167%
L2 Cache
512 kB
4096 kB+700%
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Delhi (2012−2013)
PassMark
1,943+1%
1,918
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Opteron 3320 EE uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-520UMOpteron 3320 EE
Socket
BGA1288
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
800
Max RAM Capacity
8
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-520UM) / not specified (Opteron 3320 EE). The Core i5-520UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Opteron 3320 EE requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.

FeatureCore i5-520UMOpteron 3320 EE
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true