Core i7-2820QM vs Opteron 3380

Core i7-2820QM vs Opteron 3380 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2820QM

4 / 8

4,379

+0.5%

4,358

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 Opteron 3380 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 Opteron 3380: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Opteron 3380 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 3380, which brings 8 cores / 8 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 19.0 PassMark/$ ($568 MSRP vs $229 MSRP).

Opteron 3380

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 8 threads.
✅Costs $339 less on MSRP ($229 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).
✅Delivers 146.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.0 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($229 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,358 vs 4,379).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2820QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 3380 better than Core i7-2820QM?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 3380 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-2820QM is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Opteron 3380 is the better buy right now. Opteron 3380 comes in $339 cheaper on MSRP at $229 MSRP versus $568 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-2820QM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 146.8% better value on MSRP (19.0 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Opteron 3380 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 Opteron 3380 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.

Opteron 3380

The Opteron 3380 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Delhi (2012−2013) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,358 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 3380 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 3380 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM versus 3.6 GHz on the Opteron 3380 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Opteron 3380 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-2820QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Opteron 3380 uses Delhi (2012−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2820QM scores 4,379 against the Opteron 3380's 4,358 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-2820QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM vs 8192 kB (total) on the Opteron 3380.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Opteron 3380
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.6 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	8192 kB+3100%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Delhi (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,379	4,358
Geekbench 6 Single	554	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,763	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Opteron 3380 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Opteron 3380
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 (Opteron 3380). The Core i7-2820QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Opteron 3380 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Opteron 3380
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 Opteron 3380 came in at $229. On launch pricing ($568 vs $229), Opteron 3380 was $339 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2820QM delivers 7.7 pts/$ vs 19.0 pts/$ for the Opteron 3380 — making the Opteron 3380 the 84.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Opteron 3380
MSRP	$568	$229-60%
Performance per Dollar	7.7	19.0+147%
Release Date	2011	2012

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