Core i7-3820 vs Core i7-4710MQ

Intel

Core i7-3820

4 Cores8 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4710MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i7-3820 vs Core i7-4710MQ Performance Spectrum

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 i7-3820 vs Core i7-4710MQ 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 i7-3820 vs Core i7-4710MQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3820

2012

Why buy it

  • +66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Costs $92 less on MSRP ($286 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Delivers 32.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.2 vs 15.3 PassMark/$ ($286 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • 150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (624 vs 950).
  • Lower PassMark (5,787 vs 5,792).
  • 176.6% higher power demand at 130W vs 47W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4710MQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4710MQ

2013

Why buy it

  • +52.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 47W instead of 130W, a 83W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-3820 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.3 vs 20.2 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $286 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4710MQ better than Core i7-3820?
Yes. Core i7-4710MQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4710MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4710MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4710MQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4710MQ comes in 32.2% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $286 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3820 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 32.1% better value on paper (20.2 vs 15.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4710MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and 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 i7-3820 vs Core i7-4710MQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-3820

The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.

Intel

Core i7-4710MQ

The Core i7-4710MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,792 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3820 and Core i7-4710MQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4710MQ — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-3820 uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4710MQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Core i7-4710MQ's 5,792 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4710MQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 624 vs 950, a 41.4% lead for the Core i7-4710MQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4710MQ.

FeatureCore i7-3820Core i7-4710MQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+9%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+44%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
10240 kB (total)+67%
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
5,787
5,792
Geekbench 6 Single
624
950+52%
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,200
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3820 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4710MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i7-3820 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-3820) vs 2 (Core i7-4710MQ). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3820) vs 16 (Core i7-4710MQ) — the Core i7-3820 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3820) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i7-4710MQ).

FeatureCore i7-3820Core i7-4710MQ
Socket
LGA2011
PGA946
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
40+150%
16
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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3820 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i7-4710MQ). The Core i7-4710MQ includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-3820 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop, Core i7-4710MQ targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.

FeatureCore i7-3820Core i7-4710MQ
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
HEDT Desktop
Laptop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3820 was priced at $286, while the Core i7-4710MQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($286 vs $378), Core i7-3820 was $92 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 20.2 pts/$ vs 15.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4710MQ — making the Core i7-3820 the 27.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3820Core i7-4710MQ
MSRP
$286-24%
$378
Performance per Dollar
20.2+32%
15.3
Release Date
2012
2013

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