CPU
GPU
Core i7-820QM
Athlon 64 X2 6000+
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 Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is on rank 1077, so the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 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 Athlon 64 X2 6000+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Athlon 64 X2 6000+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Athlon 64 X2 6000+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2639%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
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 Athlon 64 X2 6000+
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.
Athlon 64 X2 6000+
The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,825 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 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 3.1 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ — a 1.3% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses Windsor (2006−2007) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the Athlon 64 X2 6000+'s 1,825 — a 0.3% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Athlon 64 X2 6000+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz | 3.1 GHz+1% |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K+100% |
| Process | 45 nm-50% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,819 | 1,825 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses AM2 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-820QM versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ — the Core i7-820QM supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-820QM) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 6000+) — the Core i7-820QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 6000+).
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Athlon 64 X2 6000+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-820QM) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 6000+). Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Athlon 64 X2 6000+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-820QM launched at $546 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ debuted at $450.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Athlon 64 X2 6000+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $546 | $450-18% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $20 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2007 |
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