CPU
GPU
Core i7-820QM
A4-3305M
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 i7-820QM is positioned at rank 1231 and the A4-3305M is on rank 691, so the A4-3305M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-820QM
Performance Per Dollar A4-3305M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | A4-3305M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | A4-3305M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-820QM and A4-3305M
Core i7-820QM
The Core i7-820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,819 points. Launch price was $546.
A4-3305M
The A4-3305M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,812 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the A4-3305M offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM versus 2.5 GHz on the A4-3305M — a 20.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the A4-3305M uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the A4-3305M's 1,812 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 0 kB on the A4-3305M.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | A4-3305M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz+22% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 1.9 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,819 | 1,812 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 276 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A4-3305M uses FS1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-820QM versus DDR3-1333 on the A4-3305M — the Core i7-820QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-3305M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | A4-3305M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FS1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-820QM) vs AMD-V (A4-3305M). The A4-3305M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6480G), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3305M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000; A4-3305M rivals Pentium B950.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | A4-3305M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon HD 6480G |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Laptop |
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