A4-3305M vs Core i7-820QM
A4-3305M
Core i7-820QM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A4-3305M is positioned at rank 691 and the Core i7-820QM is on rank 1231, so the A4-3305M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A4-3305M
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-820QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A4-3305M | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A4-3305M | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A4-3305M and Core i7-820QM
A4-3305M
The A4-3305M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,812 points. Launch price was $50.
Core i7-820QM
The Core i7-820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,819 points. Launch price was $546.
Processing Power
The A4-3305M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-820QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A4-3305M versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM — a 20.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.9 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The A4-3305M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-820QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3305M scores 1,812 against the Core i7-820QM's 1,819 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-3305M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM.
| Feature | A4-3305M | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.06 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 1.9 GHz+10% | 1.73 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,812 | 1,819 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 276 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A4-3305M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A4-3305M versus 1333 on the Core i7-820QM — the Core i7-820QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-3305M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | A4-3305M | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-3305M) vs true (Core i7-820QM). The A4-3305M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6480G), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3305M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-3305M rivals Pentium B950; Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | A4-3305M | Core i7-820QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6480G | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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