Core i5-520UM vs Pentium G3240

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 Pentium G3240 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 Pentium G3240: 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 53W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Pentium G3240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Pentium G3240

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,930 vs 1,943).
❌Launch MSRP is still $89 MSRP, while Core i5-520UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌194.4% higher power demand at 53W 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 Pentium G3240?

Yes. Core i5-520UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-520UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 38 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-520UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-520UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $89 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3240 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Pentium G3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520UM vs Pentium G3240 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.

Pentium G3240

The Pentium G3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,930 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-520UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3240's 2 cores. The Core i5-520UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Pentium G3240's 1,930 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-520UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Pentium G3240
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.07 GHz	3.1 GHz+190%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,943	1,930

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3240 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Pentium G3240
Socket	BGA1288	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-520UM) / not specified (Pentium G3240). The Core i5-520UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Pentium G3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.