CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-2715QE vs Core i7-2920XM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2715QE is a BGA-packaged mobile processor tailored for embedded systems and highly integrated laptop designs in 2011. Utilizing the Sandy Bridge architecture, it delivers four physical cores and eight threads, ensuring robust multitasking performance for portable and industrial applications. Operating at a 2.1 GHz base clock with a 3.0 GHz turbo boost, it mirrors the performance of the 2710QE but is soldered directly to the motherboard via BGA 1023. The 32nm process node houses 1,160 million transistors, while the 45W TDP ensures reliable performance under sustained loads. It features 6MB of L3 cache and Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics. The inclusion of AVX and AES-NI instruction sets makes it highly efficient for cryptographic operations and media processing. While locked for overclocking, the i7-2715QE remains a testament to Intel's focus on versatile, high-performance mobile computing solutions for specialized markets.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for light office tasks but slow for heavy workloads.
High clocks and cache make it surprisingly capable for basic tasks.
Gaming
Obsolete for modern gaming; HD 3000 cannot handle new titles.
Great for older games when overclocked, but lacks modern support.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x but limited by 45W thermal constraints.
VT-d and high clocks make it decent for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
32nm process is inefficient by today's mobile standards.
55W TDP is very high for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Extremely slow compute
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only suitable for retro games
- No AVX2 support
- Weak integrated graphics
- Strong single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
- Runs very hot
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Soldered BGA package for durability
- Good sustained performance for 2011
- Hardware AES-NI support
- Long embedded lifecycle availability
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded (soldered)
- 45W TDP requires active cooling
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2 support
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
Intel Core i7-2715QE
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2635QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2710QERival
Mobile
- AMD Embedded G-T56NRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-2515QERival
Embedded
Ivy Bridge successor with lower power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
- Intel Atom x5-Z8350Alt
Lower power embedded alternative for basic tasks.
- Intel Core i3-3217UEAlt
Lower power Ivy Bridge embedded chip.
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 solid embedded quad-core CPU that provided excellent longevity for industrial applications, now obsolete.
Best for: The Core i7-2715QE is an End-of-Life processor that is no longer viable for new designs. Because it is a BGA-packaged chip, it is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. If you are maintaining an older embedded system or industrial PC that uses this processor, it remains functional for basic tasks and legacy software. However, any new project should utilize modern Intel or AMD embedded processors that offer significantly better performance per watt, smaller footprints, and modern I/O like PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2. Finding replacement boards for this chip is becoming difficult, making it a poor choice for critical infrastructure. It is best left to repair existing hardware rather than seeking it out for new builds.
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 faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-2715QE or Core i7-2920XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-2920XM leads with a gaming performance score of 28/100 among Intel Core i7-2715QE and Core i7-2920XM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-2715QE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-2715QE (45 W), Core i7-2920XM (55 W).
Do Intel Core i7-2715QE and Core i7-2920XM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-2715QE: BGA 1023, 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: Intel Core i7-2715QE (3,800), Core i7-2920XM (5,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.