Intel Core i7-3520M vs Intel Core i7-4960HQ

Intel Core i7-3520M or Intel Core i7-3520M – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i7-3520M features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q2/2012 and belongs to the 3 generation of the Intel Core i7 series.
To use the Intel Core i7-3520M, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 1023 socket.
The Intel Core i7-4960HQ features 4 processor cores and has the capability to manage 8 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q4/2013 and belongs to the 4 generation of the Intel Core i7 series.
To use the Intel Core i7-4960HQ, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 1364 socket.

The Intel Core i7-3520M has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i7-3520M is 2.9 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.6 GHz.
The Intel Core i7-4960HQ has 4 CPU cores and can calculate 8 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i7-4960HQ is 2.6 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.8 GHz.

The Intel Core i7-3520M has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i7-3520M uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000, which has 128 texture shaders
and 16 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The Intel Core i7-4960HQ has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i7-4960HQ uses the Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200, which has 320 texture shaders
and 40 execution units.

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 32.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.

The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 35 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 47 W watts.

The Intel Core i7-3520M is manufactured using a 22 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 4.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Intel Core i7-4960HQ is manufactured using a 22 nm process.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 6.0 MB cache.