AMD Ryzen 5 7520C
AMD Ryzen 5 7520C: A Balance of Mobility and Performance in 2025 Ultrabooks
Architecture and Technology Process: Zen 4 on 6nm and Radeon 610M Graphics
The AMD Ryzen 5 7520C processor is built on the Zen 4 architecture, adapted for mobile devices. It utilizes a 6nm TSMC FinFET technology process, offering a balance between energy efficiency and performance.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology. This is optimal for multitasking within ultrabooks.
- Clock Speeds: Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz. The Precision Boost 2 automatic overclocking solution dynamically adjusts frequency based on load.
- Cache Memory: With 4 MB of L3 cache, although modest, it is sufficient for office and multimedia tasks.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon 610M based on the RDNA 2 architecture with 2 compute units (128 stream processors) and a frequency of up to 1.9 GHz. This solution is suitable for basic graphical tasks and light gaming.
Key Feature: Zen 4 brought improvements in IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) by 8–10% compared to Zen 3, which is particularly noticeable in single-threaded tests.
Power Consumption and 15W TDP: Ideal for Thin Laptops
With a TDP of 15W, the Ryzen 5 7520C is positioned as a processor for ultrabooks and compact laptops. This enables manufacturers to create devices that:
- Are less than 15 mm thick;
- Use passive or low-power active cooling (e.g., a single fan).
Power-saving Technologies:
- Adaptive Power Management: Dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency to minimize power consumption when idle.
- Hybrid Core Work Mode: When under low load, some cores are disabled, reducing battery consumption.
Performance: Office, Multimedia, and Light Gaming
Geekbench 6 Tests
- Single-Core: 1182 points — a level close to the Apple M1 (1150–1200), ensuring smooth operation in browsers and office applications (Word, Excel).
- Multi-Core: 3519 points — higher than Intel Core i5-1235U (3200–3300) due to Zen 4 optimization.
Real-World Scenarios
- Office Work: Simultaneously working with 20+ tabs in Chrome, attending a Zoom conference, and editing documents — all without lag.
- Multimedia: Converting a 30-minute 1080p video in HandBrake takes ~12 minutes (a 15% reduction in time compared to Ryzen 5 5500U).
- Gaming: In Dota 2 on low settings (720p) — 45–50 FPS, CS:GO — 60 FPS. For AAA games, an external graphics card will be required.
Turbo Mode: Under short-term loads (up to 30 seconds), the frequency rises to 4.3 GHz, but in laptops with passive cooling, throttling may occur after 1–2 minutes.
Use Cases: Who is the Ryzen 5 7520C Designed For?
- Students: A lightweight laptop for lectures, text work, and Zoom.
- Office Workers: Multitasking in Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM systems.
- On-the-Go Users: Watching Netflix, YouTube, and social media.
- Casual Gamers: Playing games like Minecraft or Overwatch 2 on minimum settings.
Not Suitable For:
- 3D modeling, rendering in Blender;
- Professional 4K video editing;
- Heavy gaming like Cyberpunk 2077.
Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours in Mixed Use
With a battery capacity of 50–60 Wh (typical for ultrabooks in 2025), the Ryzen 5 7520C demonstrates:
- Web Browsing: 9–10 hours;
- Video (local, 1080p): 12 hours;
- Load (Office + browser): 7 hours.
Saving Factors:
- Displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and FHD resolution (not QLED);
- "Power Saving" mode in Windows 11, reducing CPU frequency to 1.5 GHz.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD vs Intel vs Apple
AMD Ryzen 5 7520C vs Intel Core i5-1335U
- Single-Core Performance: Intel wins by 5–7% due to higher frequencies.
- Multi-Core: AMD is 10–12% faster due to Zen 4 optimization.
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (80 EU) surpasses Radeon 610M by 20–25% in gaming.
AMD Ryzen 5 7520C vs Apple M2
- Energy Efficiency: Apple M2 offers 30–40% more battery life.
- Performance: In single-core tasks, M2 is 15% faster, but in multi-core scenarios, the Ryzen 5 7520C approaches the base M2.
- Price: Laptops with Ryzen 5 7520C are $200–300 cheaper than MacBook Air ($699 starting price vs $999).
Pros and Cons of the Processor
Strengths:
- High multi-core performance for the 15W segment;
- Support for PCIe 4.0 and LPDDR5-6400;
- Compatibility with Windows 11 and Linux;
- Affordable laptop prices ($600–800).
Weaknesses:
- Only 4 cores — competitors offer 6–8 cores in the same TDP (e.g., Intel Core i7-1360P);
- Weak graphics for gaming beyond 2023;
- Limited upgradeability: the processor is soldered to the motherboard.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Device Type: Ultrabooks (Asus ZenBook, Lenovo Yoga) or budget laptops (Acer Swift 3). Avoid models with screens lower than FHD.
2. Cooling: Prefer systems with copper heat pipes and at least one fan.
3. Battery: At least 50 Wh for 8+ hours of autonomy.
4. Memory and SSD: 16 GB LPDDR5 and 512 GB SSD is the optimal minimum for 2025.
5. Additional: USB4 for connecting external GPUs, Wi-Fi 6E.
Model Examples:
- Asus ZenBook 14 UM3402 ($749): 14" FHD, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, weight 1.2 kg.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 15 ($699): 15.6" IPS, 12 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 5 7520C Suitable For?
This processor is an excellent choice for those looking for a balance between price, battery life, and adequate performance. It is suitable for:
- Users who value battery life more than extreme power;
- Those who need a lightweight laptop for studying, working, and entertainment;
- Budget gamers willing to play on low settings.
Key Benefits:
- Saving $200–300 compared to Apple M2;
- Support for modern connectivity standards and peripherals;
- Sufficient power for 90% of everyday tasks.
If you are not engaged in 3D design or streaming, the Ryzen 5 7520C will be a reliable companion in 2025.