Core i7-3689Y vs Turion II M520

Core i7-3689Y vs Turion II M520 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3689Y

2 / 4

1,967

+0.6%

1,955

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

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 i7-3689Y vs Turion II M520 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 i7-3689Y vs Turion II M520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3689Y

2013

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 II M520 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Turion II M520

2009

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,955 vs 1,967).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3689Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3689Y better than Turion II M520?

Yes. Core i7-3689Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i7-3689Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 30 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3689Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-3689Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3689Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-3689Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) 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 i7-3689Y vs Turion II M520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3689Y

The Core i7-3689Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,967 points. Launch price was $69.

Turion II M520

The Turion II M520 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,955 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3689Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II M520's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-3689Y versus 2.3 GHz on the Turion II M520 — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3689Y. The Core i7-3689Y uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion II M520 uses Caspian (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3689Y scores 1,967 against the Turion II M520's 1,955 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-3689Y.

Feature	Core i7-3689Y	Turion II M520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+13%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Caspian (2009)
PassMark	1,967	1,955
Geekbench 6 Single	507	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3689Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Turion II M520 uses S1g3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3689Y	Turion II M520
Socket	BGA1023	S1g3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3689Y) / not specified (Turion II M520). The Core i7-3689Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Turion II M520 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3689Y targets Ultra-Low Power Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3689Y rivals AMD A10-4655M.