CPU
GPU
Core i7-820QM
A8-5550M
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 A8-5550M is on rank 692, so the A8-5550M 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 A8-5550M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior 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 (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 A8-5550M
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.
A8-5550M
The A8-5550M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,811 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the A8-5550M's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM versus 3.1 GHz on the A8-5550M — a 1.3% clock advantage for the A8-5550M (base: 1.73 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the A8-5550M uses Richland (2013−2014) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the A8-5550M's 1,811 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 0 kB on the A8-5550M.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz | 3.1 GHz+1% |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 2.1 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Richland (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 1,819 | 1,811 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A8-5550M uses FS1r2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-820QM versus 1600 on the A8-5550M — the A8-5550M supports 18.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-5550M supports up to 16 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. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM) and FP2,FS1r2 (A8-5550M).
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FS1r2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | 1600+20% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The A8-5550M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000; A8-5550M rivals Core i3-4000M.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | A8-5550M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon HD 8510G / 8550G |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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