Core i7-2820QM vs FX-6130

Core i7-2820QM vs FX-6130 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2820QM

4 / 8

4,379

+0.6%

4,353

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

About PassMark

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 FX-6130 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 FX-6130: 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

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 26 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while FX-6130 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $568 MSRP, while FX-6130 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

FX-6130

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2820QM across 26 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,353 vs 4,379).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2820QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2820QM better than FX-6130?

Yes. Core i7-2820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 26 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2820QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% more average FPS across 26 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.6% 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 $568 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 26 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-6130 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2820QM vs FX-6130 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.

FX-6130

The FX-6130 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,353 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-6130 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6130 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6130 — a 13.7% clock advantage for the FX-6130 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-2820QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6130 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2820QM scores 4,379 against the FX-6130's 4,353 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2820QM. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	FX-6130
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.9 GHz+15%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+57%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4167%	6 MB
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	4,379	4,353
Geekbench 6 Single	554	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,763	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6130 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	FX-6130
Socket	PGA988	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2820QM) / not specified (FX-6130). The Core i7-2820QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-6130 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	FX-6130
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2820QM was priced at $568, while the FX-6130 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($568 vs $0), FX-6130 was $568 cheaper.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	FX-6130
MSRP	$568	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	7.7	—
Release Date	2011	2012

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