Intel Core i5-2520M vs Intel Core i5-3230M

VS
Performance
Core i5-2520M4% better
3,4499% of 36,991
Core i5-3230M
3,3109% of 36,991

The Core i5-2520M has 4% better performance than the Core i5-3230M for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i5-2520M
No data available
Core i5-3230M
No data available

We do not have any performance per dollar data for the Core i5-2520M and the Core i5-3230M for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i5-2520M CPU

The Intel Core i5-2520M is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q1 2011. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i5-2520M is compatible with Intel Socket G2 (988B) motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-2520M supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-2520M has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 3 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-2520M features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.5 GHz, and it can boost up to 3200.0 MHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-2520M includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i5-2520M has the 489th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 9.32% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

About the Intel Core i5-3230M CPU

The Intel Core i5-3230M is a 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q1 2013. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture. The i5-3230M is compatible with Intel BGA 1023 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-3230M supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-3230M has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 3 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-3230M features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.2 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-3230M includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 4000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i5-3230M has the 502nd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 8.95% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i5Core i5
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release DateQ1 2011Q1 2013
Production StatusEnd-of-life--
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i5-2520M4% better
3,4499% of 36,991
Core i5-3230M
3,3109% of 36,991

The Core i5-2520M has 4% better performance than the Core i5-3230M for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i5-2520M is ranked 489th with a score of 3,449, and the Core i5-3230M is ranked 502nd with a score of 3,310.

Performance per dollar
Core i5-2520M
No data available
Core i5-3230M
No data available

We do not have any performance per dollar data for the Core i5-2520M and the Core i5-3230M for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i5-2520M or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i5-5350U3,479+1%
Core i7-5550U3,470+1%
Core i5-2520M3,449
Core i7-4550U3,447-0%
Core i5-5300U3,439-0%
Core i7-640M3,356-3%
Ryzen 3 2200U3,327-4%
Core i5-3230M3,310-4%
Core i5-4250U3,301.5-4%
Core i5-4300U3,288-5%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i5-2520M orCore i5-3230M
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Our database does not have enough data to compare the benchmark performance per dollar with other CPUs.

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
3,449
(+4.2%)
3,310
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
--
258
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
--
105
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
930
1,021
(+9.78%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
467
506
(+8.35%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
2,235
2,559
(+14.5%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,356
1,576
(+16.22%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size32 nm22 nm
Transistors624 million--

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
SeriesCore i5Core i5
MicroarchitectureSandy BridgeIvy Bridge
CodenameSandy BridgeIvy Bridge
Memory SupportDDR3DDR3
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
Cores22
Threads44
Clock Speed2.5 GHz2.6 GHz
Turbo Clock3200.0 MHz3.2 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier25.0x26.0x
Multiplier UnlockedNoNo

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
L1 Cache64 KB64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB256 KB
L3 Cache3 MB3 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
SocketIntel Socket G2 (988B)Intel BGA 1023
Thermal Design Power (TDP)35 W35 W
TJ Max100 °C105 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i5-2520MCore i5-3230M
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 3000Intel HD 4000
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, Turbo Boost, AES-NI, Smart CacheMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, HTT, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.