Intel Core i7-2960XM vs Intel Pentium N3520

VS
Performance
Core i7-2960XM351% better
8,09822% of 36,991
Pentium N3520
1,7945% of 36,991

The Core i7-2960XM has 351% better performance than the Pentium N3520 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53
Pentium N3520
No data available

The Core i7-2960XM has 6% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i7-2960XM CPU

The Intel Core i7-2960XM is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q3 2011 with a suggested retail price of $1,096. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i7-2960XM 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 i7-2960XM supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-2960XM 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 8 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-2960XM features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.7 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-2960XM 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 & Value

The Core i7-2960XM has the 306th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 21.89% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 8,098 score and $1,096 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 7.39. This is the 208th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Pentium N3520 CPU

The Intel Pentium N3520 is a 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. The N3520 is compatible with FCBGA1170 motherboards and is fabricated on a 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 Series integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

In terms of cache, the Pentium N3520 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 224 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 2 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 0 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Pentium N3520 features 4 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 2167.0 MHz, and it can boost up to 2420.0 MHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture.

Integrated Graphics

The Pentium N3520 includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 Series. 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 Pentium N3520 has the 634th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 4.85% 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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i7 Extreme--
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release DateQ3 2011--
Launch Price (MSRP)$1,096--
Production StatusEnd-of-life--
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i7-2960XM351% better
8,09822% of 36,991
Pentium N3520
1,7945% of 36,991

The Core i7-2960XM has 351% better performance than the Pentium N3520 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-2960XM is ranked 306th with a score of 8,098, and the Pentium N3520 is ranked 634th with a score of 1,794.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53
Pentium N3520
No data available

The Core i7-2960XM has 14% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Core i7-2960XM's 7.39 performance per dollar ranks it 208th among the other benchmarked CPUs in our database.

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 i7-2960XM or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i5-8259U8,528.5+5%
Core i7-4900MQ8,490+5%
Core i7-2960XM8,098
Core i7-4810MQ8,012-1%
Core i7-4710MQ7,979-1%
Pentium N35401,797-78%
Core i3-3229Y1,795-78%
Pentium N35201,794-78%
Pentium 3558U1,787-78%
Pentium 2127U1,782-78%

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 i7-2960XM orPentium N3520
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-5650U8.92+21%
Core i7-4940MX8.58+16%
Core i7-840QM8.25+12%
Core i7-5550U8.15+10%
Core i7-4930MX7.96+8%
Core i7-2960XM7.39
Core i7-820QM7.33-1%
Core i7-2920XM7.22-2%
Core m7-6Y756.82-8%

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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
8,098
(+351.39%)
1,794
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
--
144
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
--
38
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
1,963
(+305.58%)
484
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
603
(+254.71%)
170
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
4,754
(+314.47%)
1,147
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,598
(+140.66%)
664
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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntel--
Process Size32 nm22 nm
Transistors1,160 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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
SeriesCore i7 Extreme--
MicroarchitectureSandy Bridge--
CodenameSandy BridgeBay Trail
Memory SupportDDR3--
Memory ChannelsDual-channel--
ECC MemoryNo--

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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
Cores44
Threads84
Clock Speed2.7 GHz2167.0 MHz
Turbo Clock3.7 GHz2420.0 MHz
Base Clock100 MHz--
Multiplier27.0x--
Multiplier UnlockedYes--

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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
L1 Cache64 KB224 KB
L2 Cache256 KB2 MB
L3 Cache8 MB0 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 i7-2960XMPentium N3520
SocketIntel Socket G2 (988B)FCBGA1170
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 x16--
Thermal Design Power (TDP)55 W7.5 W
TJ Max100 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

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

SpecCore i7-2960XMPentium N3520
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 3000Intel HD Graphics for Intel Atom Processor Z3700 Series
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI--

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