Core i7-3520M vs Ryzen 7 3700X

CPU

GPU

Core i7-3520M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012

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Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019

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Core i7-3520M vs Ryzen 7 3700X Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3520M

2 / 4

2,842

0.0%

22,430

+689.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen 9 9900X3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 Ryzen 7 3700X 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 Ryzen 7 3700X: 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

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Ryzen 7 3700X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,842 vs 22,430).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +291.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $17 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 730.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Core i7-3520M?

Yes. Ryzen 7 3700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 291.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 689.2% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 291.9% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 689.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $17 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 291.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 730.0% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012), 700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3520M vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3520M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3520M scores 2,842 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 155% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Ryzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	8 / 16+300%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.4 GHz+22%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.6 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	32 MB+700%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-68%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark	2,842	22,430+689%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3520M versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 3700X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-3520M) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) — the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3520M) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X).

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Ryzen 7 3700X
Socket	PGA988	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-3520M) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Ryzen 7 3700X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Ryzen 7 3700X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
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 Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($346 vs $329), Ryzen 7 3700X was $17 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3520M delivers 8.2 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 157% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP	$346	$329-5%
Performance per Dollar	8.2	68.2+732%
Release Date	2012	2019

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