Core i3-7101E vs Core i7-2820QM

The Core i3-7101E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2820QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM — a 13.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-7101E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2820QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101E scores 4,430 against the Core i7-2820QM's 4,379 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-7101E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,250 vs 554, a 77.2% lead for the Core i3-7101E that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM.

The Core i3-7101E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101E versus 1600 on the Core i7-2820QM — the Core i3-7101E supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7101E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C236,C232,Q170,Q270 (Core i3-7101E) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2820QM).

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E) vs true (Core i7-2820QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101E) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2820QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000; Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

At launch, the Core i3-7101E was priced at $117, while the Core i7-2820QM came in at $568. On launch pricing ($117 vs $568), Core i3-7101E was $451 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7101E delivers 37.9 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-2820QM — making the Core i3-7101E the 132.3% better value option.

Search Core i3-7101E on AmazonSearch Core i7-2820QM on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.