CPU Comparison
Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) vs Intel Core i7-3820QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2820QM in its rPGA988B (Socket G2) variant offers the exact same performance as its BGA counterpart but features a socketed design. This allowed system builders and users to upgrade their laptops without replacing the entire motherboard, a feature that was becoming rare even in 2011. With 4 cores and 8 threads, a base clock of 2.3 GHz, and a turbo boost of 3.4 GHz, it delivered robust performance for mobile workstations. The 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture ensures good IPC, while the 8MB L3 cache provides a noticeable boost in data-intensive applications. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and includes Intel HD 3000 graphics. The 45W TDP means it was intended for thicker, performance-oriented laptops with dedicated cooling. Though end-of-life, the socketed nature of this chip makes it interesting for collectors and those maintaining legacy gaming laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic office tasks and web browsing.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Good for retro games, but fails at modern titles.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x/VT-d, making it okay for basic VMs.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
45W TDP is high by modern standards, impacting battery life.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks modern AVX instructions
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- Requires discrete GPU for older 3D games
- Fine for 2D indie games
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good quad-core performance
- Removable PGA socket option
- High turbo boost frequencies
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-3820QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3920XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMAlt
Slightly faster refresh of the same chip.
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) or Intel Core i7-3820QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3820QM comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-2820QM (rPGA) or Intel Core i7-3820QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3820QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) and Intel Core i7-3820QM.
Do Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) and Intel Core i7-3820QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3820QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2820QM (rPGA) (5,400), Intel Core i7-3820QM (5,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.