CPU Comparison
Core i7-3920XM vs Intel Core i7-4910MQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3920XM Extreme Edition is a top-tier mobile processor launched in April 2012 based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. As an 'XM' series chip, it features an unlocked multiplier, a rarity for mobile CPUs, allowing enthusiasts to overclock it beyond its factory 2.9 GHz base clock. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it reaches up to 3.8 GHz via Turbo Boost. Built on the 22nm process, it packs 1.4 billion transistors into a 160 mm² die. Unlike standard mobile chips, it carries a 55W TDP to accommodate the increased power limits and overclocking headroom. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD 4000 graphics. This processor was the absolute pinnacle of mobile computing performance in 2012, designed for the most expensive, thick, and heavy gaming laptops and mobile workstations where cooling capacity allowed for sustained high-frequency operation and manual tuning by power users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks keep it relevant for basic modern tasks.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Excellent for 2012 games, still handles older titles well.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Handles VMs well thanks to high clock speeds and VT-d.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
55W TDP makes it very power-hungry for a mobile chip.
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too outdated for modern AI
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- High single-core speed for the era
- Requires discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Excellent for 2014-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Highest clock speeds for 2012 mobile
- Socketed design
- Excellent multi-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- Very high 55W TDP
- Requires massive laptop cooling
- Lacks modern instruction sets
- Extremely expensive at launch
Pros
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good quad-core performance
- Removable PGA socket
- High turbo boost frequencies
Cons
- High 47W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-3920XM
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMAlt
Locked but cooler running alternative.
Newer Haswell-based Extreme Edition.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4910MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4930MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
Slightly slower version of the same chip.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A groundbreaking mobile CPU that brought unlocked overclocking to laptops, offering unmatched performance for its time, albeit with high heat output.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 extreme laptop.
Read the full reviewA high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3920XM or Intel Core i7-4910MQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3920XM comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-3920XM or Intel Core i7-4910MQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-3920XM leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Core i7-3920XM and Intel Core i7-4910MQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4910MQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3920XM (55 W), Intel Core i7-4910MQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-3920XM and Intel Core i7-4910MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3920XM: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-4910MQ: Intel Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3920XM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3920XM (9,000), Intel Core i7-4910MQ (5,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.