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.

Overview

The Core i7-2820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,379 points. Launch price was $568.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2820QM

#339

Core 2 Duo SP9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

116%

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

116%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

115%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

113%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

112%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

110%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

109%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

108%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

107%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

106%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

106%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

104%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

101%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

101%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

100%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

100%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

99%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

98%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

98%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

97%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

96%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

95%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

94%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

92%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

91%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

91%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

89%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

88%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

88%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-2820QM across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-2820QM specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2820QM is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,379, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 554, while multi-core reaches 1,763.

Specification	Core i7-2820QM
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	216 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,160 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,379
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	554
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,763

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2820QM fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600 memory at speeds up to 1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-2820QM
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD A8-3510MX.

Specification	Core i7-2820QM
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD A8-3510MX

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-2820QM has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

Specification	Core i7-2820QM
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	false
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Integrated

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $568, the Core i7-2820QM delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1958 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-2820QM
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$568
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$568
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1958
Release DateLaunch date	3 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i7
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$568
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	3 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	1958

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	216 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	23
Max Frequency	3.4 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.3 GHz
Transistor Count	1,160 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-