CPU Comparison
Core i7-3920XM vs Intel Core i7-4930MX
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 high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Excellent for 2012 games, still handles older titles well.
Excellent for older games and can handle modern eSports easily with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Handles VMs well thanks to high clock speeds and VT-d.
Good for running VMs, though limited by mobile platform constraints.
Efficiency
55W TDP makes it very power-hungry for a mobile chip.
57W TDP is very power-hungry for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
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- Too outdated for modern AI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
- Won't bottleneck 2013-era GPUs
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Requires massive laptop cooling
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
- Unlocked multiplier
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.9 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket
Cons
- Extremely high 57W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Expensive launch price
- Poor battery life
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 i7-4930MX
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4940MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Modern mobile alternative with better efficiency.
6-core modern alternative that destroys it in performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible modern 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 legendary mobile CPU that brought unlocked overclocking to laptops, offering desktop-level performance for enthusiasts.
Best for: Collecting vintage gaming laptops or extreme budget used systems.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-3920XM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3920XM (55 W), Intel Core i7-4930MX (57 W).
Do Core i7-3920XM and Intel Core i7-4930MX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3920XM: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-4930MX: 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 i7-4930MX (6,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.