CPU Comparison

Core i7-3615QM vs Core i7-7820HK

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3615QM is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2012. Based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and boosts up to 3.3 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The key differentiator of this SKU is its exclusive use of the BGA 1224 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-3615QM was a popular choice for Apple's 2012 MacBook Pro lineup and other premium laptops where space-saving and durability were prioritized over modularity.

Intel · 3rd Generation Core i7
Core i7-3615QM
4C / 8T3.3 GHz45 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · 7th Generation Core i7
Core i7-7820HK
4C / 8T3.9 GHz45 W
7.5
Full review

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
High-Performance Mobile
High-Performance Mobile
Generation
3rd Gen
7th Gen
Launched
2012
2017
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Kaby Lake-H
Series
3rd Generation Core i7
7th Generation Core i7
Family
Ivy Bridge
Kaby Lake-H
Predecessor
Core i7-2720QM
Core i7-6820HK
Successor
Core i7-3635QM
N/A

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.9 GHz
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
3.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB
TDP
45 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Kaby Lake-H
Process Node
22nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR4, LPDDR3
Memory Speed
1600 MT/s
DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
BGA 1224
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
Yes

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
Moderate
Workstations
Moderate
Low
Content Creation
Moderate
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

AAA Gaming (Legacy)
Good
Video Editing
Good
Enthusiast Gaming
Very Good
Overclocking
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-3615QM

Pros

  • Solid quad-core multi-threading
  • Enabled thinner laptop designs
  • Good base clock for mobile
  • Supports VT-d for virtualization

Cons

  • 45W TDP requires robust cooling
  • Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
  • Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
  • HD 4000 graphics are weak for modern gaming
Core i7-7820HK

Pros

  • Unlocked for overclocking
  • Full 8MB L3 cache
  • Good single-core performance for 2017
  • Configurable TDP

Cons

  • Only 4 cores
  • Overclocking limited by laptop thermals
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • High power draw reduces battery life

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-3615QM

  • AMD A10-4600M

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-3610QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2720QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-3612QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A8-4500M

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Slightly faster refresh of the same BGA chip.

    Compare head-to-head

Core i7-7820HK

  • Intel Core i7-7820HQ

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7920HQ

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7700HQ

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD FX-9830P

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-6820HK

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Next-gen 6-core mobile upgrade.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
    Alt

    Newer alternative with similar performance.

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-3615QMSituational

A solid mobile quad-core CPU that powered premium laptops. Still capable for basic tasks, but its soldered design limits upgrades.

Best for: Purchasing a used 2012 MacBook Pro

Read the full review
Core i7-7820HKSituational

A unique unlocked mobile CPU that allowed laptop overclocking, though thermal limits heavily restricted how far it could be pushed.

Best for: Buying a used extreme gaming laptop cheaply

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Core i7-3615QM and Core i7-7820HK use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3615QM: BGA 1224, Core i7-7820HK: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.