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 i5-520M 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,727 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 i5-520M

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

117%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

116%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

113%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

112%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

110%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

110%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

108%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

107%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

107%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

106%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

104%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

101%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

101%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

101%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

100%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

99%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

98%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

98%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

98%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

96%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

95%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

94%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

92%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

92%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

91%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

89%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

88%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

88%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

88%

#370

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-520M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-520M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-520M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.93 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,727, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 360, while multi-core reaches 695.

Specification	Core i5-520M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.93 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Arrandale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81+114 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	382+177 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,727
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	360
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	695

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-520M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-800, DDR3-1066 memory at speeds up to 1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-520M
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	DDR3-800, DDR3-1066
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8
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 (Ironlake)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM55,HM57,QM57
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 AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Specification	Core i5-520M
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	AMD Turion II Ultra M660

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-520M 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 i5-520M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °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 i5-520M delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2697 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-520M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2697
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

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

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$225
Release Date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Arrandale (2010−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2697

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 1.0
Die Size	81+114 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	3 MB
Bus Speed	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Multiplier	18
Max Frequency	2.93 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.4 GHz
Transistor Count	382+177 Million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	105 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-