Intel Core i5-4200M vs AMD Phenom II X2 521

Intel Core i5-4200M or Intel Core i5-4200M – 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 i5-4200M features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q4/2013 and belongs to the 4 generation of the Intel Core i5 series.
To use the Intel Core i5-4200M, you'll need a motherboard with a PGA 946 socket.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 2 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q2/2011 and belongs to the 1 generation of the AMD Phenom II series.
To use the AMD Phenom II X2 521, you'll need a motherboard with a AM3 socket.

The Intel Core i5-4200M has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i5-4200M is 2.5 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.1 GHz.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 2 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the AMD Phenom II X2 521 is 3.5 GHz

The Intel Core i5-4200M has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i5-4200M uses the Intel HD Graphics 4600, which has 160 texture shaders
and 20 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 does not have integrated graphics.

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 37 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 65 W watts.

The Intel Core i5-4200M 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 3.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The AMD Phenom II X2 521 is manufactured using a 45 nm process.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 2.0 MB cache.