CPU Comparison
Core i7-820QM vs Core i7-2920XM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-820QM 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 1.73 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.06 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a premium offering for early gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8MB cache and 8 threads help with heavy multitasking.
High clocks and cache make it surprisingly capable for basic tasks.
Gaming
Good for 2009 games but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Great for older games when overclocked, but lacks modern support.
Virtualization
Excellent for legacy VMs.
VT-d and high clocks make it decent for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
55W TDP is very high for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Strong single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
- Runs very hot
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- High performance for its era
- 8MB L3 cache
- Socketed design
Cons
- Very high 55W TDP
- Runs extremely hot
- Obsolete for modern tasks
- Expensive collector's item
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-820QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-840QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-920XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-2720QMAlt
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative.
Core i7-2920XM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2820QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2960XMAlt
Slightly higher clocks and newer revision.
- Intel Core i7-3920XMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency and overclocking.
Ivy Bridge alternative with lower TDP.
Compare head-to-headStandard Ivy Bridge quad-core for laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA legendary mobile CPU that brought unlocked overclocking to laptops, though it runs hot and is outdated.
Best for: Upgrading a Socket G2 enthusiast laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-820QM or Core i7-2920XM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-2920XM comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i7-820QM or Core i7-2920XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-820QM leads with a gaming performance score of 33/100 among Core i7-820QM and Core i7-2920XM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-820QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-820QM (45 W), Core i7-2920XM (55 W).
Do Core i7-820QM and Core i7-2920XM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-820QM: Intel Socket G1, Core i7-2920XM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2920XM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2920XM (5,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.