Intel Core i7-2715QE vs Intel Core i5-520E: comparison

Comparison of Intel Core i7-2715QE and Intel Core i5-520E: key differences and a full specification table.

Key differences

Intel Core i7-2715QE has more cores (4 vs 2), more threads (8 vs 4), a higher maximum clock (3 GHz vs 2.93 GHz) and a larger L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

At the same time, Intel Core i5-520E has a higher base clock (2.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz) and a lower TDP (35 W vs 45 W).

Both processors match on: process node (32 nm), memory channels (2), PCIe version (2).

These are specification values: they show differences between the models but do not determine a performance winner. For a specific workload, rely on independent benchmarks.

Key specifications

ParameterIntel Core i7-2715QEIntel Core i5-520E
Cores / threads 4 / 8 2 / 4
Max boost clock 3 GHz 2.93 GHz
L3 cache 6 MB 3 MB
TDP 45 W 35 W
Process 32 nm 32 nm
Integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 —

Full specification table

Differing values are highlighted. This is not a better/worse rating: numbers from different architectures are not always comparable.

Parameter Intel Core i7-2715QE Intel Core i5-520E
General
Model i7-2715QE i5-520E
Codename Sandy Bridge Arrandale
Segment Embedded Embedded
Product line Legacy Intel Core Processors Legacy Intel Core Processors
Process 32 nm 32 nm
Launch date Q1 2011 Q1 2010
Status Discontinued Discontinued
Servicing status End of Servicing Updates End of Servicing Updates
Embedded options available Yes Yes
Use conditions Embedded Broad Market Commercial Temp, PC/Client/Tablet Embedded Broad Market Commercial Temp, PC/Client/Tablet
CPU
Cores 4 2
Threads 8 4
Multithreading (SMT/HT) Yes Yes
Base clock 2.1 GHz 2.4 GHz
Max boost clock 3 GHz 2.93 GHz
Turbo Boost 2.0 frequency 3 GHz —
L3 cache 6 MB 3 MB
Bus speed 5 GT/s 2.5 GT/s
TDP 45 W 35 W
Turbo Boost Yes (2) Yes (1)
64-bit support Yes Yes
Instruction set width 64 bit 64 bit
Instruction set extensions AVX SSE4.1, SSE4.2
Memory
Max memory size 16.6 GB 8.79 GB
Memory types DDR3 DDR3
Memory channels 2 2
Max memory bandwidth — 17.1 GB/s
ECC memory supported Yes Yes
Physical address extensions — 36-bit
Graphics
Integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 —
Has integrated graphics Yes —
Graphics base frequency 650 MHz 500 MHz
Graphics max frequency 1.2 GHz 766 MHz
Max displays 2 2
Quick Sync Video Yes —
Graphics output eDP/DP/HDMI/SDVO/CRT —
InTru 3D Yes —
Flexible Display Interface Yes Yes
Macrovision license required No No
I/O and interfaces
PCI Express revision 2 2
PCI Express lanes 16 1
PCI Express configurations 1x16, 2x8, 1x8+2x4 1X16, 2X8
Package and thermal
Sockets supported FCBGA1023 BGA1288
Max CPU configuration — 1
Package size 31mm x 24mm (FCBGA1023) BGA 34mmX28mm
TJUNCTION 100 °C 105 °C
Die size — 81 mm²
Transistors (millions) — 382 million
Security and virtualization
Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) Yes Yes
Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d) Yes Yes
Extended Page Tables (EPT) Yes Yes
AES-NI Yes Yes
Execute Disable Bit — Yes
vPro Eligibility Intel vPro Platform —
Technologies
Enhanced SpeedStep Yes Yes
Idle States Yes Yes
Thermal Monitoring Technologies Yes Yes
Identity Protection Technology Yes —
Flex Memory Access Yes Yes
Fast Memory Access Yes Yes

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