CPU
GPU
Core i7-820QM
Pentium M 765
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 Pentium M 765 is on rank 918, so the Pentium M 765 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 Pentium M 765
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Pentium M 765 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($546) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Dothan (2004−2005) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-820QM | Pentium M 765 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Pentium M 765
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 M 765
The Pentium M 765 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,834 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium M 765 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM versus 2.1 GHz on the Pentium M 765 — a 37.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium M 765 uses Dothan (2004−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the Pentium M 765's 1,834 — a 0.8% lead for the Pentium M 765. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 0 kB on the Pentium M 765.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Pentium M 765 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+300% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz+46% | 2.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 2.1 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 45 nm-50% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Dothan (2004−2005) |
| PassMark | 1,819 | 1,834 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium M 765 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-820QM versus DDR2-533 on the Pentium M 765 — the Core i7-820QM supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-820QM supports up to 8 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 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 915GM,945GT (Pentium M 765).
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Pentium M 765 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-533 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 4 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-820QM) vs false (Pentium M 765). Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-820QM | Pentium M 765 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | false |
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