CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3820QM vs Core i7-3840QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3820QM is a premium mobile processor launched in early 2012 as part of the initial Ivy Bridge rollout. Targeted at high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust parallel processing capabilities. It operates at a base clock of 2.7 GHz and can boost up to 3.7 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. What distinguishes the 3820QM from lower-tier QM chips is its full 8 MB of L3 SmartCache, which improves performance in data-heavy applications and gaming. With a 45-watt thermal design power, it balances high performance with the thermal constraints of premium mobile chassis. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics offer capable multimedia decoding. This CPU was a favorite for enthusiasts seeking top-tier mobile performance without stepping up to the extreme edition MX series, providing an excellent sweet spot of price and multi-threaded power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Handles older productivity suites and web browsing fine.
Gaming
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Adequate for 2012 games, but lacks power for modern AAA titles.
Virtualization
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Good support for light virtualization on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
45W TDP was efficient then, but runs hot compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No NPU or AI hardware
- Unsupported by modern AI software
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
- HD 4000 insufficient for modern games
- Pairs well with mobile GTX 600M series
- Good for indie and legacy titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Strong multi-core performance for 2012
- PCIe 3.0 support
- VT-d virtualization support
Cons
- Highly outdated architecture
- Lacks AVX2 support
- 45W TDP is hot for modern laptops
- Weak integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Core i7-3840QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMAlt
Unlocked Extreme Edition for Socket G2.
More budget-friendly Ivy Bridge mobile option.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA rare socketed high-end mobile CPU that offered excellent performance and upgrade paths for 2012 laptops, though it is heavily outdated today.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3820QM or Core i7-3840QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3840QM comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i7-3820QM and Core i7-3840QM 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 i7-3840QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3820QM (5,600), Core i7-3840QM (8,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.