Core i5-4670K 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 i5-4670K 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 i5-4670K 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 i5-4670K

2013

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3820QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3820QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,584 vs 5,607).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $328 MSRP, while Core i7-3820QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Core i7-3820QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4670K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3820QM better than Core i5-4670K?

Yes. Core i7-3820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% 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 12.2% 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 0.4% 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 much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $328 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4670K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4670K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-3820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4670K

The Core i5-4670K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,584 points. Launch price was $266.

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 i5-4670K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670K versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3820QM — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-4670K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3820QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670K scores 5,584 against the Core i7-3820QM's 5,607 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-3820QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 975 vs 604, a 47% lead for the Core i5-4670K that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3820QM.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-3820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+3%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+26%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,584	5,607
Geekbench 6 Single	975+61%	604

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z87,Z97 (Core i5-4670K) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3820QM).

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-3820QM
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	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

Only the Core i5-4670K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4670K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4670K) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3820QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670K targets Gaming Desktop, Core i7-3820QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4670K rivals FX-9370; Core i7-3820QM rivals A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Core i7-3820QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	High Performance Laptop