Core 2 Quad Q8200 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.

Core 2 Quad Q8200 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.

Core 2 Quad Q8200 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.

Core 2 Quad Q8200

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $322 less on MSRP ($224 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Delivers 142.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.1 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,807 vs 1,819).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($546 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-820QM better than Core 2 Quad Q8200?

Yes. Core i7-820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 0.9% 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 0.7% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-820QM comes in 143.8% more expensive on MSRP at $546 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Quad Q8200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 142.1% better value on paper (8.1 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core i7-820QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Quad Q8200 vs Core i7-820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Quad Q8200

The Core 2 Quad Q8200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,807 points. Launch price was $249.

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 Core 2 Quad Q8200 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8200 versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM — a 27.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 2.33 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8200 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-820QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8200 scores 1,807 against the Core i7-820QM's 1,819 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8200 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8200	Core i7-820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.33 GHz	3.06 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2.33 GHz+35%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,807	1,819

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q8200 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8200	Core i7-820QM
Socket	LGA775	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q8200) vs true (Core i7-820QM). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8200 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8200	Core i7-820QM
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q8200 was priced at $224, while the Core i7-820QM came in at $546. On launch pricing ($224 vs $546), Core 2 Quad Q8200 was $322 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q8200 delivers 8.1 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-820QM — making the Core 2 Quad Q8200 the 83.1% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8200	Core i7-820QM
MSRP	$224-59%	$546
Performance per Dollar	8.1+145%	3.3
Release Date	2008	2009

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