Core i5-520UM vs Turion II M520

Core i5-520UM vs Turion II M520 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-520UM

2 / 4

1,943

0.0%

1,955

+0.6%

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 Turion II M520 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 Turion II M520: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Turion II M520 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Turion II M520 across 38 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,943 vs 1,955).
❌1700% higher power demand at 18W vs 1W.

Turion II M520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 38 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 1W instead of 18W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-520UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion II M520 better than Core i5-520UM?

Yes. Turion II M520 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Turion II M520 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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, Turion II M520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion II M520 still makes the most sense overall. Turion II M520 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-520UM vs Turion II M520 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.

Turion II M520

The Turion II M520 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,955 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-520UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II M520's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM versus 2.3 GHz on the Turion II M520 — a 20.6% clock advantage for the Turion II M520. The Core i5-520UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion II M520 uses Caspian (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-520UM scores 1,943 against the Turion II M520's 1,955 — a 0.6% lead for the Turion II M520.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Turion II M520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	2.3 GHz+23%
Base Clock	1.07 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB+100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Caspian (2009)
PassMark	1,943	1,955

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion II M520 uses S1g3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-520UM	Turion II M520
Socket	BGA1288	S1g3
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 (Turion II M520). The Core i5-520UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Turion II M520 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.