Core i3-8100H vs Core i7-2820QM

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 i3-8100H vs Core i7-2820QM 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 i3-8100H vs Core i7-2820QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8100H

2018

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 45W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2820QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-2820QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,379 vs 4,435).
❌Launch MSRP is still $568 MSRP, while Core i3-8100H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌4400% higher power demand at 45W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8100H better than Core i7-2820QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2820QM is ahead with a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8100H pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark. Core i7-2820QM also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8100H is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8100H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-8100H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $568 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% better PassMark. Core i7-2820QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8100H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i3-8100H vs Core i7-2820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100H

The Core i3-8100H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 July 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,435 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-2820QM

The Core i7-2820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,379 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8100H packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-8100H versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-2820QM (base: 3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-8100H uses the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2820QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100H scores 4,435 against the Core i7-2820QM's 4,379 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-8100H. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i3-8100H vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM.

Feature	Core i3-8100H	Core i7-2820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.4 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3 GHz+30%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,435+1%	4,379
Geekbench 6 Single	—	554
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,763

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100H uses the BGA1440 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 DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-8100H versus 1600 on the Core i7-2820QM — the Core i3-8100H supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8100H 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.

Feature	Core i3-8100H	Core i7-2820QM
Socket	BGA1440	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 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, VT-d (Core i3-8100H) vs true (Core i7-2820QM). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8100H) 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 i3-8100H targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.