Pentium 977 vs Pentium N3520

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.

Pentium 977 vs Pentium N3520 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.

Pentium 977 vs Pentium N3520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 977

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.6 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
❌750% higher power demand at 17W vs 2W.

Pentium N3520

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $34 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 33.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 17W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,144 vs 1,148).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium N3520 better than Pentium 977?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium N3520 is ahead with 72.9% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium 977 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium 977 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium N3520 is the better buy right now. Pentium N3520 comes in $34 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you 72.9% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Pentium 977 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 33.5% better value on MSRP (11.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium N3520 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium 977 vs Pentium N3520 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium 977

The Pentium 977 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,148 points. Launch price was $134.

Pentium N3520

The Pentium N3520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.17 GHz, with boost up to 2.42 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,144 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 977 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Pentium N3520 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium N3520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Pentium 977 versus 2.42 GHz on the Pentium N3520 — a 53.4% clock advantage for the Pentium N3520 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.17 GHz). The Pentium 977 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium N3520 uses Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium 977 scores 1,148 against the Pentium N3520's 1,144 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium 977. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 977 vs 2 MB on the Pentium N3520.

Feature	Pentium 977	Pentium N3520
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	2.42 GHz+73%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.17 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
PassMark	1,148	1,144

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 977 uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium N3520 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium 977	Pentium N3520
Socket	BGA1023	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium 977 was priced at $134, while the Pentium N3520 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($134 vs $100), Pentium N3520 was $34 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium 977 delivers 8.6 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Pentium N3520 — making the Pentium N3520 the 28.7% better value option.

Feature	Pentium 977	Pentium N3520
MSRP	$134	$100-25%
Performance per Dollar	8.6	11.4+33%
Release Date	2012	2013

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