Core i7-3520M vs FX-8800P

Core i7-3520M vs FX-8800P Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3520M

2 / 4

2,842

+0.3%

2,833

0.0%

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 i7-3520M vs FX-8800P 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 i7-3520M vs FX-8800P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while FX-8800P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 18.9 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌3313.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 15W.

FX-8800P

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $196 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 129.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.9 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 512W, a 497W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,833 vs 2,842).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3520M better than FX-8800P?

Yes. Core i7-3520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-3520M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3520M comes in 130.7% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. FX-8800P only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

FX-8800P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3520M vs FX-8800P Technical Specifications

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

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.

FX-8800P

The FX-8800P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,833 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-3520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8800P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-8800P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M versus 3.4 GHz on the FX-8800P — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-3520M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8800P uses Carrizo (2015−2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3520M scores 2,842 against the FX-8800P's 2,833 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	FX-8800P
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+6%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+38%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	2048 kB+700%
Process	22 nm-21%	28 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Carrizo (2015−2018)
PassMark	2,842	2,833

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8800P uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	FX-8800P
Socket	PGA988	FP4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-3520M) / not specified (FX-8800P). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-8800P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	FX-8800P
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3520M was priced at $346, while the FX-8800P came in at $150. On launch pricing ($346 vs $150), FX-8800P was $196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3520M delivers 8.2 pts/$ vs 18.9 pts/$ for the FX-8800P — making the FX-8800P the 78.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	FX-8800P
MSRP	$346	$150-57%
Performance per Dollar	8.2	18.9+130%
Release Date	2012	2015

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