CPU Comparison
Core i7-2920XM vs Intel Core i7-3720QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2920XM Extreme Edition is a flagship mobile processor from the Sandy Bridge generation, released in early 2011. As an 'XM' series chip, it features a fully unlocked multiplier, a rarity for mobile processors, allowing enthusiasts to overclock it. It boasts 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.5 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.5 GHz. Built on a 32nm process, it has a higher 55W TDP to accommodate the increased power limits. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics. This processor was designed for the most demanding mobile workstations and gaming laptops of its time. While it is now obsolete, the i7-2920XM holds historical significance as one of the first truly enthusiast-grade mobile CPUs, offering desktop-like tuning capabilities in a portable form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks and cache make it surprisingly capable for basic tasks.
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Great for older games when overclocked, but lacks modern support.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
VT-d and high clocks make it decent for legacy VMs.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
55W TDP is very high for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
- Runs very hot
- 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
- 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
Pros
- Good quad-core performance
- High 3.6 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-3720QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3740QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- 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 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 reviewA high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and high clock speeds for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-2920XM or Intel Core i7-3720QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3720QM leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core i7-2920XM and Intel Core i7-3720QM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3720QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-2920XM (55 W), Intel Core i7-3720QM (45 W).
Do Core i7-2920XM and Intel Core i7-3720QM 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 Core i7-2920XM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2920XM (5,900), Intel Core i7-3720QM (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.