Intel Core i7-3520M

The Intel Core i7-3520M is the fastest dual-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture at the time of introduction in Q2 2012. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.9 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.6 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessor Core i7-2640M, it offers a 4 MB L3-Cache.
Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and DDR3(L)-1600 support.
The performance of the Core i7-3520M should be slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to slight architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is about 5 - 10 % above the old i7-2640M (see benchmarks below).
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1250 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the fastest variants.
Just like most other Ivy Bridge dual-cores, the i7-3520M is rated at a TDP of 35 W. Therefore, even smaller laptops can use the Core i7.
| Series | Intel Core i7 |
| Codename | Ivy Bridge |
| Clock Rate | 2900 - 3600 MHz |
| Level 1 Cache | 128 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| Level 3 Cache | 4096 KB |
| Number of Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 |
| Max. Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power) | 35 Watt |
| Manufacturing Technology | 22 nm |
| Max. Temperature | 105 °C |
| Socket | BGA1023, PGA988 |
| Features | HD Graphics 4000, DDR3-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization |
| 64 Bit | 64 Bit support |
| Hardware Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d |
| Starting Price | $346 U.S. |
| Announcement Date | 06/03/2012 |
| Product Link (external) | Intel Core i7 3520M |
CPU Benchmarks
| Cinebench R10 in comparison | ||
| Intel Atom Z670 (min) | 691 | |
| ... | ||
| Intel Core i7 2640M | 9765.9 | |
| Intel Core 2 Quad Q9100 | 10081 | |
| Intel Core i5 3360M | 10104.7 | |
| Intel Core i7 3520M | 10166.7 | |
| Intel Core i3 (Desktop) 3220 | 10193 | |
| Intel Core i7 3540M | 10810.5 | |
| Intel Core 2 Quad (Desktop) Q9550 | 10825 | |
| ... | ||
| Intel Core i7 (Desktop) 3960X (max) | 27189.5 | |
Reviews for the Intel Core i7 3520M processor
Acer TravelMate P633-V-73528G50ikk (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 13.3")
» Acer TravelMate P633-V-73528G50ikk - External Review
Dell Latitude E6330 (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 13.3")
» Dell Latitude E6330 - External Review
Dell Latitude E6430 (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 14.1")
» Dell Latitude E6430 - External Review
Dell Latitude E6530 (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 15.6")
» Dell Latitude E6530 - External Review
HP Elitebook 2570p-B6Q10EA (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 12.5")
» Review HP Elitebook 2570p-B6Q10EA Notebook - Review
» HP Elitebook 2570p-B6Q10EA - External Review
HP EliteBook 8470p (AMD Radeon HD 7570M, 14.0")
» Review HP EliteBook 8470p Notebook - Review
» HP EliteBook 8470p - External Review
HP EliteBook 8570p-B6Q03EA-ABD (AMD Radeon HD 7570M, 15.6")
» Review HP EliteBook 8570p-B6Q03EA-ABD Notebook - Review
» HP EliteBook 8570p-B6Q03EA-ABD - External Review
HP Envy m4 (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 14.0")
» HP Envy m4 - External Review
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge S430-N3B3DGE (NVIDIA GeForce GT 620M, 14.4")
» Lenovo ThinkPad Edge S430-N3B3DGE - External Review
Lenovo ThinkPad T430 (NVIDIA NVS 5400M, 14.0")
» Review Lenovo ThinkPad T430 Notebook - Review
Lenovo ThinkPad T430s (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 14")
» Review Update Lenovo ThinkPad T430s Notebook - Review
Lenovo ThinkPad T530 2429-5XG (NVIDIA NVS 5400M, 15.6")
» Review Lenovo ThinkPad T530 2429-5XG Notebook - Review
» Lenovo ThinkPad T530 2429-5XG - External Review
Lenovo ThinkPad X230-NZA5NRT (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 12.5")
» Lenovo ThinkPad X230-NZA5NRT - External Review
Lenovo ThinkPad X230-NZC23HW (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 12.5")
» Lenovo ThinkPad X230-NZC23HW - External Review
Sony Vaio SV-S1311AGXB (NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M, 13.3")
» Sony Vaio SV-S1311AGXB - External Review
Sony Vaio SV-S13A1Y9ES (NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE, 13.3")
» Sony Vaio SV-S13A1Y9ES - External Review
Sony Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S (NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE, 13.3")
» Review Sony Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S Notebook - Review
» Sony Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S - External Review
Sony Vaio SV-S13A2Z9ES (NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE, 13.3")
» Sony Vaio SV-S13A2Z9ES - External Review
Toshiba Portege R930-117 (Intel HD Graphics 4000, 13.3")
» Toshiba Portege R930-117 - External Review
Toshiba Tecra R940-S9440 (AMD Radeon HD 7570M, 14")
» Review Toshiba Tecra R940-S9440 Notebook - Review




10 benchmarks and specifications
10 benchmarks and specifications