Core i7-2649M vs Core i5-2520M

Primary details

Comparing Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in performance ranking	2091	not rated
Place by popularity	not in top-100	not in top-100
Market segment	Laptop	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5	Intel Core i7
Architecture codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date	20 February 2011 (13 years ago)	3 January 2011 (13 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)	$225	$346
Current price	$75 (0.3x MSRP)	$618 (1.8x MSRP)

Detailed specifications

Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores	2 (Dual-core)	2 (Dual-core)
Threads	4	4
Base clock speed	2.5 GHz	2.3 GHz
Boost clock speed	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
L1 cache	128 KB	128 KB
L2 cache	512 KB	512 KB
L3 cache	3 MB	4 MB
Chip lithography	32 nm	32 nm
Die size	149 mm2	149 mm2
Maximum core temperature	100 °C	100 °C
Number of transistors	624 Million	624 Million
64 bit support	+	+
Windows 11 compatibility	-	-
Unlocked multiplier	No	No

Compatibility

Information on Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration	1	1
Socket	PPGA988	FCBGA1023
Power consumption (TDP)	35 Watt	25 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensions	Intel® AVX	Intel® AVX
AES-NI	+	+
FMA	+	+
AVX	+	+
vPro	+	+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)	+	+
My WiFi	+	+
Turbo Boost Technology	2.0	+
Hyper-Threading Technology	+	+
Idle States	+	+
Thermal Monitoring	+	+
Flex Memory Access	+	+
Demand Based Switching	-	-
FDI	+	+
Fast Memory Access	+	+
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Security technologies

Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT	+	+
EDB	+	+
Identity Protection	+	+
Anti-Theft	+	+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M are enumerated here.

AMD-V	+	+
VT-d	+	+
VT-x	+	+
EPT	+	+

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory types	DDR3	DDR3
Maximum memory size	16 GB	8.01 GB
Max memory channels	2	2
Maximum memory bandwidth	21.3 GB/s	21.3 GB/s
ECC memory support	-	-

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics card	Intel HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Quick Sync Video	+	+
Clear Video HD	+	+
Graphics max frequency	1.3 GHz	1.1 GHz
InTru 3D	+	+

Graphics interfaces

Available interfaces and connections of Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supported	2	2
eDP	+	+
DisplayPort	+	+
HDMI	+	+
SDVO	+	+
CRT	+	+

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M.

PCIe version	2.0	2.0
PCI Express lanes	16	16

Pros & cons summary

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Recency	20 February 2011	3 January 2011
Cost	$225	$346
Power consumption (TDP)	35 Watt	25 Watt

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Should you still have questions on choice between Core i5-2520M and Core i7-2649M, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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