CPU Comparison
Core i7-720QM vs Core i7-820QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-720QM is a high-end mobile quad-core processor launched in September 2009. Based on the Clarksfield architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.6 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.8 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it brought Nehalem architecture to gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Multi-threading helps, but low base clock hurts responsiveness.
8MB cache and 8 threads help with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Can run older games well but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Good for 2009 games but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Virtualization
8 threads make it decent for legacy VMs.
Excellent for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Supports DDR3-1333
- Turbo Boost technology
Cons
- Very high power consumption (45W)
- Low 1.6 GHz base clock
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
Pros
- Large 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.06 GHz turbo boost
- 8 threads for multitasking
- Socketed (Socket G1)
Cons
- Very hot running (45W)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
- Expensive at launch
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-720QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative with vastly better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Phenom II N930Alt
AMD quad-core alternative without turbo boost.
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000Alt
Older generation alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 4 cores and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry by modern standards.
Best for: Retro gaming laptop repair
Read the full reviewA groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 8MB of cache and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry today.
Best for: Repairing a legacy mobile workstation
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-720QM or Core i7-820QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-820QM leads with a gaming performance score of 33/100 among Core i7-720QM and Core i7-820QM.
Do Core i7-720QM and Core i7-820QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G1 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.