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Intel Core i7 3520M Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • PassMark benchmark result: 2843
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.6 GHz

Intel Core i7 3520M review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.2

Performance

18.0%

4.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.9

Platform

1.0%

6.7

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.4

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i7-3520m
  • intel-core-i7-3520m
intel-core-i7-3520m
intel-core-i7-3520m

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3520M is a dual-core mobile processor based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz, and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.6 GHz. Key characteristics include a 4 MB Intel Smart Cache, a 35 W TDP, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 with a dynamic frequency up to 1.25 GHz. Its main pros are strong single-core performance for its generation, energy efficiency suitable for smaller laptops, and support for up to 32 GB of DDR3/L 1600 MHz memory. However, its primary cons are the limited dual-core configuration which trails behind quad-core alternatives in multi-threaded tasks, a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking, and its status as a discontinued legacy component that lacks support for modern operating systems like Windows 11.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3520M

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.8
Intel Core i7 3520M has a technical score of 3.77 points, which is lower than that of 89.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i7 3520M has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.6
Intel Core i7 3520M has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 82.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i7 3520M belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCPGA988
Intel Core i7 3520M uses the FCPGA988 CPU socket, which is older than that of 62.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75
Intel Core i7 3520M supports QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 54.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 3520M uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i7 3520M has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i7 3520M offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 3520M offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.6 GHz
Intel Core i7 3520M reaches a boost clock of 3.6 GHz which is lower than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 2.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 3520M has a base clock of 2x2.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i7 3520M uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i7 3520M is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

4 MB
Intel Core i7 3520M has an L3 cache of 4 MB which is smaller than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core i7 3520M has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i7 3520M has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i7 3520M supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3520M supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3520M supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i7 3520M supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 3520M includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 4000
Intel Core i7 3520M uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 69.5% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

16
Intel Core i7 3520M has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

650 MHz
Intel Core i7 3520M has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 3520M supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 53% of processors and equal to 4.9% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

35 W
Intel Core i7 3520M has a TDP of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.8% of processors and equal to that of 14.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

35 W
Intel Core i7 3520M has a base power of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

43.75 W
Intel Core i7 3520M has a boost power of 43.75 W which is lower than that of 72.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 3520M has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 3520M does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 3520M vs the average processor

  • 33.7% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².118 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 31.6% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (43.8 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (43.8 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.43.75 W vs 64 W
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i7 3520M supports HMP, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Uses heterogeneous multi-processing to coordinate different core types together.
    When it matters: When hybrid-core scheduling behavior matters for efficiency, workload balancing, or lower-level software behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 3520M supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 10x cheaper
    Intel Core i7 3520M is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).
    Intel Core i7 3520M is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).£25 vs £250
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3520M has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 3520M has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.35 W vs 45 W
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
    When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=350 MHz

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i7 3520M supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 33.7% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3520M has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 31.6% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (43.8 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.

Total
Overall
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 3520M has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
    June 2012
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 3520M supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 3520M does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 61.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (570 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3520M has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 30.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,722 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 73% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,843 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 74% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,248 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 3520M has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 64% weaker overclocked performance
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower overclocked performance than the average processor (3,259 vs 9,051). The average processor scores 9,051 in overclocked PassMark.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 3520M has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 3520M uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 50% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i7 3520M uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3520M supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 3520M has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 50% less memory per DIMM
    Intel Core i7 3520M has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (16 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 3520M uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 3520M does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 61.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (570 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (570 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.570 vs 1,471
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3520M has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 3520M has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 30.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,722 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,722 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,722 vs 2,483
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
  • 73% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,843 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,843 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,843 vs 10,532.5
  • 74% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,248 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,248 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,248 vs 4,793
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i7 3520M has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3520M and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3520M?

  • High clock speeds for its era with a base of 2.9 GHz and turbo boost up to 3.6 GHz
  • Efficient Hyper-Threading allows the dual-core chip to handle four threads, aiding multitasking
  • Reliable performance for everyday office tasks, web browsing, and light productivity
  • Improved energy efficiency compared to previous Sandy Bridge models due to the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 is competent for basic multimedia and legacy gaming
  • Supports hardware virtualization (VT-x) and IOMMU (VT-d), making it suitable for running virtual machines

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3520M?

  • Limited to 2 physical cores, which struggles with modern multi-threaded applications compared to quad-core variants
  • Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking to gain additional performance
  • Integrated graphics are significantly outperformed by newer Intel UHD and Iris Xe solutions
  • Can struggle with simultaneous heavy tasks like video conferencing and screen sharing
  • Performance is considered 'sluggish' by modern standards when not paired with an SSD
  • Noticeable performance gap when compared to newer 'U' series processors from 2019 and later

Expert reviews

A
anandtech.com
23/04/2012
Mobile Ivy Bridge and ASUS N56VM Preview - Dual-Core Performance

The AnandTech preview of the ASUS N56VM highlights the laptop as a showcase for Intel's Ivy Bridge Core i7-3720QM, which delivers significant performance improvements over Sandy Bridge due to the 22nm process. While the high raw processing power and strong, rigid build quality are key pros, the laptop's battery life shows limited improvement over the previous generation. Despite...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
11/02/2021
Intel Core i7-3520M @ 2.90GHz - CPU Benchmarks - PassMark

The Intel Core i7-3520M is a 22nm Ivy Bridge mobile processor from 2012, featuring a 2.9 GHz base clock, 3.6 GHz boost, and integrated HD Graphics 4000. Though marketed as an i7, this dual-core chip with 4 threads is limited by modern standards. Pros include strong single-thread performance compared to its predecessors and a 35W TDP suitable for portable laptops, while cons center...Read more

O
openbenchmarking.org
30/03/2026
Intel Core I7-3520M Benchmarks, Linux Performance - OpenBenchmarking.org

The Intel Core i7-3520M is a 2012 Ivy Bridge dual-core mobile processor, operating at 2.9 GHz to 3.6 GHz with 4 threads, that remains functional but dated. According to OpenBenchmarking.org data, it ranks in the 35th percentile overall, performing best in single-threaded or legacy tasks. The processor excels in specific, less intensive workloads like network-loopback (87th...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3520M Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-3520M is a 2012 Ivy Bridge dual-core processor that offers strong single-core performance with a 2.9 GHz base and 3.6 GHz Turbo boost, suitable for basic tasks. Its 22nm architecture and 35W TDP allow for efficient operation in older laptops, while the included Intel HD Graphics 4000 provides decent integrated graphics for its era. However, the chip's primary...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3520M - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3520M is a third-generation Ivy Bridge dual-core mobile processor from 2012, featuring a 2.9 GHz base clock and 4 MB L3 cache, noted for stable, consistent performance. Pros include strong single-core speed for daily tasks, such as office work and light video editing, alongside efficient 22nm architecture. The primary cons are limited multi-threaded performance due...Read more

N
notebookcheck.com
08/10/2012
Dell Latitude E6230 Notebook Review (with i7-3520M)

The Dell Latitude E6230 is a 12.5-inch ultraportable business notebook recognized for its durable Tri-Metal casing, which utilizes magnesium alloy and anodized aluminum to meet MIL-STD 810G ruggedness standards. It offers high-performance computing capabilities driven by Ivy Bridge Core i5/i7 processors and rapid SSD storage, making it suitable for professional workloads. However,...Read more

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N
notebookcheck.com
29/10/2012
HP EliteBook 8470p Notebook Review (with i7-3520M)

The HP EliteBook 8470p is a durable, professional-grade 14-inch notebook featuring a robust aluminum/magnesium chassis (MIL-STD 810G) and a high-performance Intel Core i7-3520M processor, though it is noticeably heavy and thick (2.1–2.44 kg, 3.4 cm). While offering strong office performance, the laptop lacks switchable graphics, leading to poor battery life (~3.5 hours Wi-Fi) and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.com
01/07/2023
Intel Core i7-3520M vs Intel Core i7-3612QM - Benchmarks, Tests and Comparisons

The Notebookcheck comparison of the Ivy Bridge-based Intel Core i7-3520M and i7-3612QM reveals distinct performance profiles for two 35W TDP processors. The i7-3520M is a high-clocked dual-core (2.9 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo) optimized for single-threaded tasks, while the i7-3612QM operates as a lower-clocked (2.1 GHz base, 3.1 GHz Turbo) quad-core designed for efficiency. Pros for...Read more

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V
valid.x86.fr
29/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-3520M (Single-Thread)

This CPU-Z validation for an Intel Core i9-12900KF highlights the Alder Lake flagship’s 16-core, 24-thread hybrid architecture, achieving a single-thread score of approximately 811 and a multi-thread score of 10,975. The benchmark showcases high performance for tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, confirming the KF-variant’s strength in parallel workloads. However,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
itjustgood.com
Unknown
HP EliteBook 2570P - Refurbished - i7-3520M

The HP EliteBook 2570p is a durable 12.5-inch professional ultraportable featuring an Intel Core i7-3520M processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 180GB SSD, housed in a MIL-STD-810G rated chassis. Notable for its segment, this model includes an integrated optical drive and extensive port selection, including USB 3.0 and DisplayPort. While offering high performance and excellent serviceability,...Read more

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T
techzine.nl
23/04/2012
Intel Core i7 3770K (Ivy Bridge) Review - Page 2

The Intel Core i7-3770K "Ivy Bridge" debuts a 22nm manufacturing process with 3D Tri-gate transistors, achieving a 20% increase in transistor count and a 26% smaller die size compared to Sandy Bridge. While CPU performance gains are modest at 5-10% faster than the i7-2600K, the 77W TDP chip offers improved power efficiency and faster video transcoding, though it faces thermal...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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