Core i5-1030NG7 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 i5-1030NG7 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 i5-1030NG7 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 i5-1030NG7

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 45W, a 35W 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).

Core i7-3820QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌350% higher power demand at 45W vs 10W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3820QM better than Core i5-1030NG7?

Yes. Core i7-3820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.2% 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 9.2% 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 still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-1030NG7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-1030NG7 vs Core i7-3820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1030NG7

The Core i5-1030NG7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 March 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1044. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $149.

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

Both the Core i5-1030NG7 and Core i7-3820QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-1030NG7 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3820QM — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820QM (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-1030NG7 uses the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-3820QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1030NG7 scores 5,600 against the Core i7-3820QM's 5,607 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3820QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,239 vs 604, a 68.9% lead for the Core i5-1030NG7 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-1030NG7 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3820QM.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Core i7-3820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+6%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.7 GHz+145%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake-Y (2020)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,600	5,607
Geekbench 6 Single	1,239+105%	604

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1030NG7 uses the BGA1044 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4-3733 on the Core i5-1030NG7 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3820QM — the Core i5-1030NG7 supports 133.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Core i7-3820QM
Socket	BGA1044	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4-3733+133%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i5-1030NG7 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Core i5-1030NG7) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3820QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1030NG7 targets Thin & Light Laptop, Core i7-3820QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-1030NG7 rivals Ryzen 5 4500U; Core i7-3820QM rivals A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Core i7-3820QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Plus Graphics G7	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Thin & Light Laptop	High Performance Laptop