Core i7-3520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-56

Core i7-3520M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-56 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3520M

2 / 4

2,842

+0.2%

2,835

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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56: 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Turion 64 X2 TL-56 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Turion 64 X2 TL-56

2007

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,835 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56?

Yes. Core i7-3520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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, Core i7-3520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 49 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 0.2% 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 $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2007) 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-56 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.

Turion 64 X2 TL-56

The Turion 64 X2 TL-56 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Trinidad / Tyler (2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90/65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,835 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion 64 X2 TL-56's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M versus 1.8 GHz on the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M. The Core i7-3520M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 uses Trinidad / Tyler (2007) (90/65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3520M scores 2,842 against the Turion 64 X2 TL-56's 2,835 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Turion 64 X2 TL-56
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+100%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm-76%	90/65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Trinidad / Tyler (2007)
PassMark	2,842	2,835

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Turion 64 X2 TL-56
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 (Turion 64 X2 TL-56). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-56 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.