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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium N3520 is positioned at rank #1046 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Pentium N3520

#1034

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2565%

#1035

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2527%

#1036

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2320%

#1037

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2309%

#1038

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2288%

#1040

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

2210%

#1041

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2119%

#1042

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2115%

#1043

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

2059%

#1046

Pentium N3520

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

100%

#1047

E2-3800

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

99%

#1048

Athlon X2 QL-66

MSRP: $150|Avg: $5

99%

#1049

Athlon II Neo K145

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

99%

#1050

Celeron P4600

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

98%

#1051

Core 2 Duo U7500

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#1052

Pentium 987

MSRP: $134|Avg: $20

97%

#1053

Core i7-4910MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $570

97%

#1054

Pentium T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

96%

#1056

Athlon X2 QL-65

MSRP: $150|Avg: $22

95%

#1057

Pentium J2850

MSRP: $94|Avg: $94

94%

#1058

Core i7-4900MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $40

94%

#1059

Pentium Dual Core T2370

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

93%

#1060

Celeron P4505

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

93%

#1061

Pentium T4200

MSRP: $99|Avg: $10

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium N3520 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium N3520 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium N3520 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.42 GHz from a base frequency of 2.17 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 224 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,144, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium N3520
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.42 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.17 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	224 kB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,144

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium N3520 fits into the FCBGA1170 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3L-1333 memory.

Specification	Pentium N3520
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1170
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3L-1333
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium N3520 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 7.5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium N3520
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	7.5 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $100), the Pentium N3520 delivers 114 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1046 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2984 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium N3520
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$100
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$161
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1046
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2984
Release DateLaunch date	1 December 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel