Core i7-3520M vs Phenom II X2 X640 BE

Core i7-3520M vs Phenom II X2 X640 BE Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3520M

2 / 4

2,842

+0.1%

2,839

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 Phenom II X2 X640 BE 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 Phenom II X2 X640 BE: 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 Phenom II X2 X640 BE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Phenom II X2 X640 BE mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Phenom II X2 X640 BE

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,839 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 Phenom II X2 X640 BE?

Yes. Core i7-3520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 0.4% 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 0.1% 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 better buy right now. Core i7-3520M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3520M vs Phenom II X2 X640 BE 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.

Phenom II X2 X640 BE

The Phenom II X2 X640 BE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,839 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Phenom II X2 X640 BE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X2 X640 BE — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M. The Core i7-3520M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X2 X640 BE uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3520M scores 2,842 against the Phenom II X2 X640 BE's 2,839 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Phenom II X2 X640 BE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,842	2,839

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X2 X640 BE uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Phenom II X2 X640 BE
Socket	PGA988	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-3520M) / not specified (Phenom II X2 X640 BE). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X2 X640 BE requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.