Core i3-9100T vs Core i7-3820QM

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 i3-9100T vs Core i7-3820QM 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 i3-9100T vs Core i7-3820QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100T

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3820QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,600 vs 5,607).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $122 MSRP, while Core i7-3820QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3820QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3820QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-9100T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3820QM better than Core i3-9100T?

Yes. Core i7-3820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3820QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.4% 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 i7-3820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-3820QM is still the better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9100T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 5,600 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Core i3-9100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9100T vs Core i7-3820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100T

The Core i3-9100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $122.

Core i7-3820QM

The Core i7-3820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,607 points. Launch price was $498.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9100T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100T versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3820QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-9100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3820QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100T scores 5,600 against the Core i7-3820QM's 5,607 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3820QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3820QM.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i7-3820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+15%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,600	5,607
Geekbench 6 Single	—	604

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i7-3820QM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-9100T) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820QM). The Core i7-3820QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-9100T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3820QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820QM rivals A10-4600M.