Core i5-520UM vs Phenom X4 9850B

Core i5-520UM vs Phenom X4 9850B Performance Spectrum

Core i5-520UM

2 / 4

1,943

0.0%

1,946

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 Phenom X4 9850B 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 Phenom X4 9850B: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 95W, a 77W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Phenom X4 9850B needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,943 vs 1,946).

Phenom X4 9850B

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌427.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 18W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-520UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X4 9850B better than Core i5-520UM?

Yes. Phenom X4 9850B is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom X4 9850B is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, Phenom X4 9850B is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom X4 9850B still makes the most sense overall. Phenom X4 9850B comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-520UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520UM vs Phenom X4 9850B 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.

Phenom X4 9850B

The Phenom X4 9850B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,946 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-520UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9850B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9850B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom X4 9850B — a 28.8% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9850B. The Core i5-520UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9850B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Phenom X4 9850B's 1,946 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom X4 9850B. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-520UM vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9850B.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Phenom X4 9850B
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	2.5 GHz+34%
Base Clock	1.07 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,943	1,946

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9850B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Phenom X4 9850B
Socket	BGA1288	AM2+
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 (Phenom X4 9850B). The Core i5-520UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Phenom X4 9850B requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.