CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3320M vs Core i5-2520M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3320M is a dual-core mobile processor launched in June 2012 under the Ivy Bridge generation. Fabricated on a 22nm process, this chip was tailored for business and performance-mainstream laptops. It operates at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.3 GHz, providing a slight edge over the 3210M. With two cores and four threads, it handles multitasking efficiently for its era. The 35-watt TDP ensures it runs cool enough for standard laptop chassis. A key differentiator for this model is the inclusion of Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), making it more appealing for corporate environments where hardware security is a priority. It also features the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, which dynamically scale from 650 MHz to 1200 MHz. While it shares the same 3MB L3 cache as its siblings, the higher clock speeds give it a tangible advantage in single-threaded workloads. Though long discontinued, it represents a strong value tier from the Ivy Bridge era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office apps well but struggles with modern web apps.
Handles legacy office and enterprise software reasonably well.
Gaming
Can play older titles like CS:GO on low settings, but nothing modern.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight games.
Virtualization
Basic VM support, limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 2012, but poor by modern mobile standards.
Inefficient by modern standards, requiring robust laptop cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI silicon
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern 3D rendering
- Suitable for 2D indie games
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12 feature levels
- Low core count
- Outdated graphics
- Bottlenecked by memory speed
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Higher base and turbo clocks than 3210M
- Intel TXT and vPro support
- Good performance for 2012
- 35W TDP allows for easy cooling
- Hardware video encode/decode (Quick Sync)
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- No Windows 11 support
- Only 2 cores / 4 threads
- Weak integrated graphics
- Lacks modern I/O connectivity
Pros
- Enterprise security (TXT)
- I/O virtualization (VT-d)
- Reliable architecture
- Widely available on used market
Cons
- Obsolete for modern work
- High power draw relative to performance
- Soldered BGA package limits repairs
- No modern OS support
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3320M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile CPU
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i3-3120MRival
Mobile CPU
Even faster Ivy Bridge mobile alternative.
Compare head-to-headHaswell successor with better IPC and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium 4415UAlt
Modern low-end alternative with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
Modern budget alternative with superior graphics.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern alternative with much better performance per watt.
Core i5-2520M
- AMD A8-3500MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2620MRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile
Ivy Bridge upgrade with better integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-3110MAlt
Budget-friendly option for basic business tasks.
- AMD A10-4600MAlt
Better graphics performance.
- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Drop-in upgrade for more threads and speed.
Our Verdict on Each
A slightly faster, security-enhanced Ivy Bridge mobile chip ideal for old enterprise laptops, but unsuitable for modern use.
Best for: Buying a system with the Intel Core i5-3320M in the modern era is generally not recommended unless you have very specific needs. As a 3rd-generation Intel Core processor, it is fundamentally obsolete for modern workloads and lacks official Windows 11 support. However, if you are looking for a cheap, rugged, used ThinkPad for Linux experimentation, light coding, or as a typewriter, the 3320M is a capable chip. Its 2.6 GHz base and 3.3 GHz turbo, combined with four threads, can handle basic web browsing and document editing if paired with an SSD. Avoid buying this for gaming, streaming, or video editing. The presence of vPro and TXT makes it historically interesting for studying enterprise security, but for daily use, even a low-end Intel Celeron N4000 will offer better efficiency and modern feature support. Only purchase if the price is negligible.
Read the full reviewA highly capable business laptop CPU for its era, offering security and virtualization features that set it apart from consumer mobile chips of the same generation.
Best for: Maintaining legacy business hardware
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3320M or Core i5-2520M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-2520M comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3320M or Core i5-2520M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3320M leads with a gaming performance score of 18/100 among Intel Core i5-3320M and Core i5-2520M.
Do Intel Core i5-3320M and Core i5-2520M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3320M: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1023, Core i5-2520M: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3320M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3320M (2,700), Core i5-2520M (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.