Pentium Dual Core T4200 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 Dual Core T4200 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 Dual Core T4200 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 Dual Core T4200

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Pentium N3520

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,144 vs 1,149).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium N3520 better than Pentium Dual Core T4200?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium N3520 is ahead with 21% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T4200 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T4200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium N3520 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium N3520 comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $100 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you 21% higher max boost clock. Pentium Dual Core T4200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 0.4% better value on paper (11.5 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on P.

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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium Dual Core T4200 vs Pentium N3520 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium Dual Core T4200

The Pentium Dual Core T4200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,149 points. Launch price was $69.

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 Dual Core T4200 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Pentium N3520 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium N3520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T4200 versus 2.42 GHz on the Pentium N3520 — a 19% clock advantage for the Pentium N3520. The Pentium Dual Core T4200 uses the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium N3520 uses Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium Dual Core T4200 scores 1,149 against the Pentium N3520's 1,144 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T4200. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Pentium Dual Core T4200 vs 2 MB on the Pentium N3520.

Feature	Pentium Dual Core T4200	Pentium N3520
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.42 GHz+21%
Base Clock	—	2.17 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB	2 MB+100%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	NetBurst (2000−2006)	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
PassMark	1,149	1,144

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium Dual Core T4200 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium N3520 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium Dual Core T4200	Pentium N3520
Socket	P	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium Dual Core T4200 was priced at $100, while the Pentium N3520 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($100 vs $100), Pentium N3520 was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium Dual Core T4200 delivers 11.5 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Pentium N3520 — making the Pentium Dual Core T4200 the 0.4% better value option.

Feature	Pentium Dual Core T4200	Pentium N3520
MSRP	$100	$100
Performance per Dollar	11.5	11.4
Release Date	2009	2013

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