CPU
GPU
Core i7-820QM
Atom x5-E3940
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 Atom x5-E3940 is on rank 337, so the Atom x5-E3940 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 Atom x5-E3940
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Atom x5-E3940 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Apollo Lake (2014−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Atom x5-E3940 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Atom x5-E3940
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.
Atom x5-E3940
The Atom x5-E3940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,816 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Atom x5-E3940's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM versus 1.8 GHz on the Atom x5-E3940 — a 51.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom x5-E3940 uses Apollo Lake (2014−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the Atom x5-E3940's 1,816 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 0 kB on the Atom x5-E3940.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom x5-E3940 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz+70% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz+8% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB (total)+700% |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Apollo Lake (2014−2016) |
| PassMark | 1,819 | 1,816 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom x5-E3940 uses FCBGA1296 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-820QM versus DDR3L-1866 on the Atom x5-E3940 — the Core i7-820QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-820QM) vs 6 (Atom x5-E3940) — the Core i7-820QM offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-820QM) and Intel FCBGA1296 (Atom x5-E3940).
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom x5-E3940 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FCBGA1296 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3L-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+167% | 6 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-820QM) / not specified (Atom x5-E3940). The Atom x5-E3940 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 500), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Atom x5-E3940 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 500 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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