Core i7-2820QM vs Core i7-2920XM

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 i7-2820QM vs Core i7-2920XM 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 i7-2820QM vs Core i7-2920XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2820QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 55W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $568 MSRP, while Core i7-2920XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-2920XM

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,336 vs 4,379).
❌22.2% higher power demand at 55W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2820QM better than Core i7-2920XM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2920XM is ahead with a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2820QM pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2820QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-2820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $568 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2920XM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-2820QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2820QM vs Core i7-2920XM Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-2920XM

The Core i7-2920XM 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,336 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2820QM and Core i7-2920XM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2920XM — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2920XM (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-2820QM scores 4,379 against the Core i7-2920XM's 4,336 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2820QM. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Core i7-2920XM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.5 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.5 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,379	4,336
Geekbench 6 Single	554	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,763	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2820QM) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2920XM).

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Core i7-2920XM
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32	32
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-2920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2820QM) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2920XM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX; Core i7-2920XM rivals Core i7-2820QM.