CPU Comparison
Core i7-820QM vs Intel Core i7-3612QE
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.
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Good for 2009 games but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Not intended for gaming, but can run older titles.
Virtualization
Excellent for legacy VMs.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
35W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Not intended for gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern titles
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
- ECC memory support
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Lower 35W TDP
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization
Cons
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- Soldered to motherboard
- 22nm process is outdated
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.
Intel Core i7-3612QE
- AMD Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-2712QERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-3610QERival
Embedded
- AMD Embedded G-T40NRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom E3845Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-4700EQAlt
Successor with better performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-9700TAlt
Modern embedded alternative with 8 cores.
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
Higher 45W TDP alternative with higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Xeon E-2176GAlt
Modern server alternative with ECC support.
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 capable 2012 embedded quad-core chip with ECC support, but inefficient by modern standards.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-3612QE, you are likely maintaining an older industrial PC or a specialized embedded system. This processor should not be sought for consumer use, as its older 22nm architecture makes it inefficient for modern laptops and ultrabooks. It is only recommended if you need to keep a specific legacy system running that requires a direct replacement part with ECC memory support. Avoid using this CPU for general web browsing or modern office work, as there are much cheaper and faster alternatives available. It is best utilized in its original context: high-performance, always-on embedded systems where stability is paramount. For any new industrial builds, modern embedded processors offer vastly superior performance, security, and power efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-820QM or Intel Core i7-3612QE?
For gaming, the Core i7-820QM leads with a gaming performance score of 33/100 among Core i7-820QM and Intel Core i7-3612QE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3612QE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-820QM (45 W), Intel Core i7-3612QE (35 W).
Do Core i7-820QM and Intel Core i7-3612QE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-820QM: Intel Socket G1, Intel Core i7-3612QE: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.