Core i7-2920XM vs Core i3-7100
Core i7-2920XM
Core i3-7100
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-2920XM is positioned at rank 717 and the Core i3-7100 is on rank 532, so the Core i3-7100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2920XM
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2920XM | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2920XM | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
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 i7-2920XM and Core i3-7100
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.
Core i3-7100
The Core i3-7100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2920XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-7100 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-2920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2920XM versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i7-2920XM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7100 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2920XM scores 4,336 against the Core i3-7100's 4,306 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-2920XM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2920XM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100.
| Feature | Core i7-2920XM | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+56% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,336 | 4,306 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2920XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7100 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2920XM versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 — the Core i7-2920XM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-2920XM | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+39900% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 64 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2920XM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2920XM) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2920XM rivals Core i7-2820QM.
| Feature | Core i7-2920XM | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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