CPU Comparison

Core i7-3520M vs Core i7-3540M

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3520M is a mainstream mobile processor launched in June 2012. Based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, this 22nm dual-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 4 threads simultaneously. It operates at a high base frequency of 2.9 GHz and boosts up to 3.6 GHz, prioritizing single-threaded performance for everyday computing and business applications. With a 35W TDP, it is designed for standard laptop chassis with active cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G2 (rPGA988B) or BGA 1023 socket, depending on the configuration. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-3520M was a popular choice for mid-range business laptops and budget gaming rigs where a dedicated GPU handled graphics, offering a strong balance of clock speed and cost.