Core i7-620M vs Turion II M520

Core i7-620M vs Turion II M520 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-620M

2 / 4

1,976

+1.1%

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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Turion II M520 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Turion II M520

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,955 vs 1,976).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620M better than Turion II M520?

Yes. Core i7-620M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 i7-620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i7-620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-620M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-620M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 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 i7-620M vs Turion II M520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-620M

The Core i7-620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.

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 i7-620M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II M520's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M versus 2.3 GHz on the Turion II M520 — a 36.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M. The Core i7-620M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion II M520 uses Caspian (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620M scores 1,976 against the Turion II M520's 1,955 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-620M.

Feature	Core i7-620M	Turion II M520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz+45%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Caspian (2009)
PassMark	1,976+1%	1,955
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	800	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-620M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion II M520 uses S1g3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-620M	Turion II M520
Socket	PGA988	S1g3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620M) / not specified (Turion II M520). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Turion II M520 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.