Core i7-1255U vs Core i5-2520M
Aggregate performance score
i7-1255U outperforms i5-2520M by a whopping 510% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in performance ranking | 2119 | 823 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | 88 |
| Market segment | Laptop | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core i5 | Intel Alder Lake-M |
| Architecture codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Alder Lake-U (2022) |
| Release date | 20 February 2011 (13 years ago) | 4 January 2022 (2 years ago) |
| Launch price (MSRP) | $225 | no data |
Detailed specifications
Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U 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) | 10 (Deca-Core) |
| Threads | 4 | 12 |
| Base clock speed | 2.5 GHz | 1.7 GHz |
| Boost clock speed | 2.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Bus support | 4 × 5 GT/s | no data |
| L1 cache | 128 KB | 928 KB |
| L2 cache | 512 KB | 9.5 MB |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 12 MB |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 10 nm |
| Die size | 149 mm2 | no data |
| Maximum core temperature | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Number of transistors | 624 Million | no data |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | + |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
Compatibility
Information on Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U 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 (Uniprocessor) | 1 |
| Socket | rPGA988B / BGA1023 | BGA1744 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 35 Watt | 15 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | + |
| FMA | + | + |
| AVX | + | + |
| vPro | + | no data |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | + | + |
| Hyper-Threading Technology | + | no data |
| TSX | no data | + |
Security technologies
Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.
| TXT | + | + |
Virtualization technologies
Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U are enumerated here.
| AMD-V | + | no data |
| VT-d | + | + |
| VT-x | + | + |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Supported memory types | DDR3 | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Maximum memory size | 16 GB | no data |
| Max memory channels | 2 | no data |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 21.335 GB/s | no data |
| ECC memory support | - | - |
Graphics specifications
General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.
| Integrated graphics card Compare | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U.
| PCIe version | no data | 4.0 |
| PCI Express lanes | 16 | 20 |
Synthetic benchmark performance
Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.
Combined synthetic benchmark score
This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.
Core i7-1255U outperforms Core i5-2520M by 510% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Passmark
Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.
Benchmark coverage: 68%
Core i7-1255U outperforms Core i5-2520M by 512% in Passmark.
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 1.45 | 8.85 |
| Integrated graphics card | 0.66 | 9.43 |
| Recency | 20 February 2011 | 4 January 2022 |
| Physical cores | 2 | 10 |
| Threads | 4 | 12 |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 10 nm |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 35 Watt | 15 Watt |
i7-1255U has a 510.3% higher aggregate performance score, 1328.8% faster integrated GPU, an age advantage of 10 years, 400% more physical cores and 200% more threads, a 220% more advanced lithography process, and 133.3% lower power consumption.
The Core i7-1255U is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i5-2520M in performance tests.
Should you still have questions on choice between Core i5-2520M and Core i7-1255U, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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