Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i7-820QM

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.

Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i7-820QM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i7-820QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Atom x5-E3940

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 45W, a 35W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 500, while Core i7-820QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,816 vs 1,819).

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 6) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $546 MSRP, while Atom x5-E3940 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌350% higher power demand at 45W vs 10W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom x5-E3940 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-820QM better than Atom x5-E3940?

Yes. Core i7-820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-820QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-820QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $546 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (3.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom x5-E3940 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i7-820QM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Atom x5-E3940

The Atom x5-E3940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,816 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

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Processing Power

The Atom x5-E3940 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Atom x5-E3940 versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM — a 51.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Atom x5-E3940 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-820QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E3940 scores 1,816 against the Core i7-820QM's 1,819 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-E3940 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM.

Feature	Atom x5-E3940	Core i7-820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	3.06 GHz+70%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	1.73 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,816	1,819

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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-E3940 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1866 on the Atom x5-E3940 versus 1333 on the Core i7-820QM — the Atom x5-E3940 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 6 (Atom x5-E3940) vs 16 (Core i7-820QM) — the Core i7-820QM offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1296 (Atom x5-E3940) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM).

Feature	Atom x5-E3940	Core i7-820QM
Socket	FCBGA1296	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1866+40%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	6	16+167%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-E3940) / true (Core i7-820QM). The Atom x5-E3940 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 500), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.