CPU
GPU
Core i7-920XM
Core i3-2102
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 i7-920XM is positioned at rank 876 and the Core i3-2102 is on rank 857, so the Core i3-2102 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-920XM
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2102
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-920XM | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-920XM | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
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 i7-920XM and Core i3-2102
Core i7-920XM
The Core i7-920XM 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 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.
Core i3-2102
The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-920XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-2102 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM (base: 2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-920XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2102 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-920XM scores 2,014 against the Core i3-2102's 2,029 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2102. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102.
| Feature | Core i7-920XM | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+3% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.1 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,014 | 2,029 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 515 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,082 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-920XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2102 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-920XM versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2102 — the Core i7-920XM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2102 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM) and H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102).
| Feature | Core i7-920XM | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 32 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-920XM) vs VT-x (Core i3-2102). The Core i3-2102 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-920XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.
| Feature | Core i7-920XM | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Office Desktop |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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