Core i3-2367M 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 i3-2367M 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 i3-2367M 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 i3-2367M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 17W instead of 45W, a 28W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-820QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,819 vs 1,827).
❌Launch MSRP is still $546 MSRP, while Core i3-2367M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌164.7% higher power demand at 45W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2367M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2367M better than Core i7-820QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-820QM is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2367M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i7-820QM also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2367M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2367M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2367M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $546 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i7-820QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (3.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i3-2367M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2367M vs Core i7-820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2367M

The Core i3-2367M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,827 points. Launch price was $250.

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 i3-2367M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-820QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core i3-2367M versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM — a 74.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.4 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2367M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-820QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2367M scores 1,827 against the Core i7-820QM's 1,819 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-2367M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2367M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM.

Feature	Core i3-2367M	Core i7-820QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	3.06 GHz+119%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	1.73 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,827	1,819

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2367M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2367M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i3-2367M) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM).

Feature	Core i3-2367M	Core i7-820QM
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16+100%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i3-2367M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2367M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600; Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.