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.

Overview

The Core i5-2520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 2,241 points. Launch price was $225.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2520M

#315

Core i7-3612QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

124%

#316

Core i7-8665UE

MSRP: $409|Avg: $409

119%

#317

Celeron N3060

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

119%

#318

Core i5-3320M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

119%

#319

Processor N50

MSRP: $128|Avg: $120

112%

#320

Core i7-4910MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $570

111%

#321

Pentium J2850

MSRP: $94|Avg: $94

109%

#322

Celeron P4505

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

107%

#323

Core i7-2720QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

107%

#324

Pentium 2020M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

106%

#325

Athlon II N350

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

105%

#326

Pentium 2030M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

105%

#327

Celeron N3350

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

104%

#328

Core i7-2675QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

104%

#329

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

103%

#330

Core i5-2520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#331

Core m3-7Y32

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#332

Core i3-1115GRE

MSRP: $338|Avg: $480

96%

#333

Core i7-2630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

94%

#334

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

94%

#335

Core i7-2635QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

94%

#336

Core i5-3337U

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

93%

#337

Core i5-2450M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

93%

#338

Core i5-7Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

92%

#339

Core 2 Duo SP9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

90%

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

90%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

89%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

87%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

86%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

85%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

85%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-2520M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-2520M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2520M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,241, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-2520M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	624 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,241

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2520M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-2520M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Specification	Core i5-2520M
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Phenom II Black Edition N660

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-2520M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

Specification	Core i5-2520M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	false
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Integrated

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $225, the Core i5-2520M delivers 10 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2494 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-2520M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2494
Release DateLaunch date	1 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$225
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2494

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	149 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	25
Max Frequency	3.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.5 GHz
Transistor Count	624 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-