Core i5 M 520 Benchmarks & Performance Report

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Benchmark Results

Combined benchmark scores based on multiple data points, giving a quick overview of this processor's performance.

Overall Score

Overall score for Core i5 M 520 based on all benchmark results gathered. Look at this like a meta score, you will find more specific workload ratings below.

4,261 Rank: 1573

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
1569	Core i3-530	4,266	+0.1%
1570	Athlon II X3 440	4,265	+0.1%
1571	Pentium Silver N5000	4,264	+0.1%
1572	Core i3-2330M	4,261	+0%
1573	Core i5 M 520	4,261
1574	Phenom II X2 545	4,260	+-0%
1575	Athlon II X3 445	4,259	+-0%
1576	Xeon X3220	4,259	+-0%
1577	Core i5-4200U	4,258	-0.1%
1578	Core 2 Duo T9800	4,258	-0.1%

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Multicore Score

Multicore performance score for Core i5 M 520 based on multi-threaded benchmark results.

4,204 Rank: 2007

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
2003	Atom N270	4,207	+0.1%
2004	Atom Z530	4,207	+0.1%
2005	Core 2 Duo T5870	4,207	+0.1%
2006	Intel Core i7-620M	4,204	+0%
2007	Core i5 M 520	4,204
2008	Pentium G6950	4,203	+-0%
2009	Core i3-5005U	4,201	-0.1%
2010	Atom Z670	4,200	-0.1%
2011	Pentium G620	4,200	-0.1%
2012	Pentium E5300	4,199	-0.1%

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Singlecore Score

Single-core performance score for Core i5 M 520 based on single-threaded benchmark results.

4,299 Rank: 1489

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
1485	Xeon E5-2609 v2	4,304	+0.1%
1486	Pentium 2030M	4,303	+0.1%
1487	Phenom II X4 B45	4,300	+0%
1488	Athlon II X2 250	4,300	+0%
1489	Core i5 M 520	4,299
1490	Core 2 Duo E7600	4,299	+0%
1491	Phenom II X3 B77	4,299	+0%
1492	Xeon E5630	4,297	+-0%
1493	Core 2 Duo T9900	4,296	-0.1%
1494	Xeon L5638	4,294	-0.1%

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Workload Scores

Performance scores grouped by workload type, normalized and aggregated from multiple raw benchmark results.

Number Crunching

Aggregated score for Core i5 M 520 based on integer math, floating point math, and prime number computation benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Number Crunching score not yet available.

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Data Processing

Aggregated score for Core i5 M 520 based on data encryption, data compression, and string sorting benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Data Processing score not yet available.

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Physics & Compute

Aggregated score for Core i5 M 520 based on physics simulation and extended instruction set (SSE/AVX) benchmarks.

-- Rank: --

Physics & Compute score not yet available.

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Core i5 M 520 Details

As of March 2026, the Intel Core i5-520M remains a relic of the early 2010s, a dual-core processor designed for mobile computing during the transition to more power-efficient architectures. Built on Intel's 32 nm process and based on the Nehalem microarchitecture, this CPU was intended for mainstream laptops that required a balance between performance and thermal efficiency. Despite its age, the i5-520M was a significant step forward in mobile computing at launch, offering Hyper-Threading support and integrated graphics, which made it a popular choice for business and multimedia laptops of its era.

The processor features two cores with four threads, allowing it to handle multitasking and light productivity workloads with moderate efficiency. It operates at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and can boost to 2.93 GHz when thermal and power conditions allow, supported by Intel's Enhanced SpeedStep Technology. The integrated Intel HD Graphics GPU runs at a base frequency of 500 MHz, capable of boosting to 766 MHz, and supports up to two displays, making it suitable for basic multimedia and light graphical tasks. However, its performance is now severely limited compared to modern standards.

With a 65 W TDP and a BGA1288/PGA988 socket, the i5-520M was designed for laptops with advanced thermal management, though its 32 nm node and lack of modern features like AVX-512 or DDR4 memory support place it well behind current processors. It supports DDR3-800/1066 memory at a maximum of 8 GB across two channels, with a maximum bandwidth of 17.1 GB/s. While it supports a wide range of modern technologies—including AES-NI, VT-x, and VT-d—it lacks ECC memory support and newer extensions like AVX2, which limits its usefulness in modern workloads.

In benchmarking, the Core i5-520M achieves an Overall Score of 4,261, ranking #1,572 out of 2,060 CPUs, with a Singlecore Score of 4,299 (#1,489) and a Multicore Score of 4,204 (#2,006). While these scores place it ahead of some modern low-power processors like the Pentium Silver N5000 and Atom Z670, they are far behind the top-tier CPUs in the market. For comparison, the highest-ranking CPU in the list, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX, scores over twice as high in multicore performance. This highlights the processor's obsolescence in the face of today's computing demands.

The i5-520M’s strongest performance is in single-threaded tasks, where its relatively high single-core score suggests it can still handle basic applications like web browsing and office software. However, its multicore performance is weak, making it unsuitable for modern multitasking, content creation, or gaming. In the context of current hardware, it is best suited for legacy systems, retro computing projects, or as a replacement in older laptops where performance needs are minimal.

In conclusion, while the Core i5-520M was once a capable mobile processor, its age and limited capabilities now restrict it to niche use cases. For users seeking performance in 2026, modern CPUs offer vastly superior efficiency, speed, and feature sets. The i5-520M serves as a reminder of how rapidly computing technology has evolved, and while it may still function, it is no longer competitive in today's landscape.