Core i7-2820QM vs Core i7-12700K
Core i7-2820QM
Core i7-12700K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-2820QM is positioned at rank #1138 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2820QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2820QM | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($568) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2820QM | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1463%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($568) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-2820QM and Core i7-12700K
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 i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 38.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-2820QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2820QM scores 4,379 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 154.8% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i7-2820QM | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 12 / 20+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 5 GHz+47% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+57% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+213% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 32 nm | 10 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 4,379 | 34,347+684% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 554 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,763 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2820QM versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 32 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2820QM) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2820QM) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core i7-2820QM | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600 | 4800+200% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 128+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2820QM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2820QM) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-2820QM | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2820QM launched at $568 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409.
| Feature | Core i7-2820QM | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $568 | $409-28% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $285 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2021 |
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