Core i7-820QM vs Pentium G3250T

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 i7-820QM vs Pentium G3250T 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 i7-820QM vs Pentium G3250T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($546 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Pentium G3250T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $482 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Delivers 752.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,818 vs 1,819).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-820QM better than Pentium G3250T?

Yes. Core i7-820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-820QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 i7-820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-820QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-820QM comes in 753.1% more expensive on MSRP at $546 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3250T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 752.7% better value on paper (28.4 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3250T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-820QM vs Pentium G3250T Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G3250T

The Pentium G3250T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,818 points. Launch price was $46.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium G3250T 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 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G3250T — a 8.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G3250T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the Pentium G3250T's 1,818 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3250T.

Feature	Core i7-820QM	Pentium G3250T
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.06 GHz+9%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.73 GHz	2.8 GHz+62%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,819	1,818

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3250T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-820QM	Pentium G3250T
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-820QM) / not specified (Pentium G3250T). Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i7-820QM	Pentium G3250T
Integrated GPU	No	—
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-820QM was priced at $546, while the Pentium G3250T came in at $64. On launch pricing ($546 vs $64), Pentium G3250T was $482 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-820QM delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Pentium G3250T — making the Pentium G3250T the 158% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-820QM	Pentium G3250T
MSRP	$546	$64-88%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	28.4+761%
Release Date	2009	2014

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