Core i7-920 vs Core i7-3520M

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 i7-920 vs Core i7-3520M 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 i7-920 vs Core i7-3520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-920

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $62 less on MSRP ($284 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 22.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.1 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

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 Core i7-920 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-920 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,842 vs 2,866).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-920 better than Core i7-3520M?

Yes. Core i7-920 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-920 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.4% 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 i7-920 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-920 is the better buy right now. Core i7-920 comes in $62 cheaper on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 22.9% better value on MSRP (10.1 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-920 vs Core i7-3520M Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-920

The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-920 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3520M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M — a 20.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-920 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3520M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-920 scores 2,866 against the Core i7-3520M's 2,842 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-920. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M.

Feature	Core i7-920	Core i7-3520M
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz	3.6 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.9 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,866	2,842

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-920 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-920	Core i7-3520M
Socket	LGA1366	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-920) / true (Core i7-3520M). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-920 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i7-920	Core i7-3520M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-920 was priced at $284, while the Core i7-3520M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($284 vs $346), Core i7-920 was $62 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-920 delivers 10.1 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-3520M — making the Core i7-920 the 20.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-920	Core i7-3520M
MSRP	$284-18%	$346
Performance per Dollar	10.1+23%	8.2
Release Date	2008	2012

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