Core i7-3520M vs Core i3-4130T
Core i7-3520M
Core i3-4130T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-3520M is positioned at rank 1127 and the Core i3-4130T is on rank 723, so the Core i3-4130T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3520M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4130T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3520M | Core i3-4130T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3520M | Core i3-4130T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3401%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3520M and Core i3-4130T
Core i7-3520M
The Core i7-3520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,842 points. Launch price was $346.
Core i3-4130T
The Core i3-4130T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,876 points. Launch price was $270.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3520M and Core i3-4130T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-4130T — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-3520M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-4130T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3520M scores 2,842 against the Core i3-4130T's 2,876 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-4130T. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130T.
| Feature | Core i7-3520M | Core i3-4130T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+24% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 2,842 | 2,876+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 890 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-4130T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3520M versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4130T — the Core i7-3520M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M) and H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4130T).
| Feature | Core i7-3520M | Core i3-4130T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 32 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3520M) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4130T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3520M) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4130T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M; Core i3-4130T rivals A8-7600.
| Feature | Core i7-3520M | Core i3-4130T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3520M launched at $346 MSRP, while the Core i3-4130T debuted at $124.
| Feature | Core i7-3520M | Core i3-4130T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $346 | $124-64% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $10 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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