CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-2635QM vs Core i7-2820QM (rPGA)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2635QM is a BGA-packaged mobile processor that brought quad-core performance to thinner and more compact laptops in 2011. Based on the Sandy Bridge architecture, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering excellent multitasking capabilities. Operating at a 2.0 GHz base clock and boosting up to 2.9 GHz, it offered the same performance as the socketed i7-2630QM but was soldered directly to the motherboard via BGA 1223. The 32nm process housed 1,160 million transistors and a 6MB L3 cache. With a 45W TDP, it was designed for performance laptops rather than ultrabooks. It included Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics for everyday multimedia tasks. While lacking an unlocked multiplier, the i7-2635QM supported AVX and AES-NI, making it a powerful and permanent solution for portable systems requiring robust computational power without the need for future upgrades.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic tasks but slow for heavy workloads.
Adequate for basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Obsolete for modern gaming; only handles old titles.
Good for retro games, but fails at modern titles.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x but limited by locked nature.
Supports VT-x/VT-d, making it okay for basic VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP is inefficient for modern mobile standards.
45W TDP is high by modern standards, impacting battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Extremely slow compute
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks modern AVX instructions
Content Creation
Gaming
- No AVX2 support
- HD 3000 graphics are obsolete
- Low base clock
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- Requires discrete GPU for older 3D games
- Fine for 2D indie games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Soldered design for durability
- Good multi-threaded performance for 2011
- Hardware AES-NI support
- Reliable Sandy Bridge architecture
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded (soldered)
- 45W TDP requires active cooling
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2 support
Pros
- Socketed design (rPGA)
- 8MB L3 cache
- 4 cores / 8 threads
- Good retro performance
Cons
- Obsolete by modern standards
- 45W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Weak integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-2635QM
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2715QERival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N930Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-2435MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with lower power.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
- Intel Core i3-3217UAlt
Lower power Ivy Bridge alternative.
- Intel Pentium 987Alt
Low power alternative for basic tasks.
Core i7-2820QM (rPGA)
- AMD A8-3530MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2720QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2630QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II X4 N970Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMAlt
Higher clock speeds for better performance.
Cheaper alternative with less cache.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2920XMAlt
Extreme Edition with unlocked multiplier.
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-headHigher clocked Ivy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable soldered mobile CPU that offered great performance for its time, now obsolete and non-upgradable.
Best for: The Core i7-2635QM is an obsolete, soldered mobile processor that cannot be upgraded. If you own a laptop with this chip, it is still functional for basic computing, media playback, and web browsing. Adding an SSD and upgrading the RAM can significantly improve the responsiveness of the system for legacy use. However, it is completely unsuitable for modern gaming or heavy productivity tasks. If the laptop fails, it is generally not worth repairing the motherboard due to the age of the platform. For new purchases, modern laptops offer exponentially better performance, battery life, and features. The i7-2635QM should only be maintained in working devices, not sought out for new builds or repairs.
Read the full reviewA rare socketed mobile CPU that offers great upgradeability for older laptops, though performance is outdated.
Best for: Upgrading a Socket G2 laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-2635QM or Core i7-2820QM (rPGA)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-2635QM 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, Intel Core i7-2635QM or Core i7-2820QM (rPGA)?
For gaming, the Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i7-2635QM and Core i7-2820QM (rPGA).
Do Intel Core i7-2635QM and Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-2635QM: BGA 1224, Core i7-2820QM (rPGA): Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-2635QM (3,700), Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.