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 is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the 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.

Codename	Ivy Bridge
Series	Intel Core i7
Series: Core i7 Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7-3940XM 3 - 3.9 GHz 4 / 8  8 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3920XM 2.9 - 3.8 GHz 4 / 8  8 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3840QM 2.8 - 3.8 GHz 4 / 8  8 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3820QM 2.7 - 3.7 GHz 4 / 8  8 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3740QM 2.7 - 3.7 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3720QM 2.6 - 3.6 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3635QM 2.4 - 3.4 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3630QM 2.4 - 3.4 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3615QM 2.3 - 3.3 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3610QM 2.3 - 3.3 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3632QM 2.2 - 3.2 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3612QM 2.1 - 3.1 GHz 4 / 8  6 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3540M 3 - 3.7 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3520M « 2.9 - 3.6 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3687U 2.1 - 3.3 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3667U 2 - 3.2 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3537U 2 - 3.1 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3517U 1.9 - 3 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3 Intel Core i7-3689Y 1.5 - 2.6 GHz 2 / 4  4 MB L3
Clock Rate	2900 - 3600 MHz
Level 1 Cache	128 KB
Level 2 Cache	512 KB
Level 3 Cache	4 MB
Number of Cores / Threads	2 / 4
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
GPU	Intel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1250 MHz)
64 Bit	64 Bit support
Architecture	x86
Starting Price	$346 U.S.
Announcement Date	06/03/2012
Product Link (external)	ark.intel.com

Benchmarks