Quick Verdict
A groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 8MB of cache and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry today.
Overview
Launch
2009
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Clarksfield)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-820QM is a high-end mobile quad-core processor launched in September 2009. Based on the Clarksfield architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.73 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.06 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a premium offering for early gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
Released in 2009 alongside the 720QM, the i7-820QM was the higher-tier option, offering 8MB of cache and faster turbo speeds. It was the processor of choice for early high-end gaming laptops. While obsolete today, it established the premium mobile quad-core market.
Specifications
Performance
8MB cache and 8 threads help with heavy multitasking.
Excellent for legacy VMs.
Good for 2009 games but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •Can bottleneck modern games
- •Good for retro gaming
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
45nm
Process Node
Clarksfield
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-820QM is a premium Clarksfield processor, utilizing a monolithic 45nm die with four cores and 8MB of shared L3 cache. Launched in late 2009, it was the highest-end mobile quad-core available until the Extreme Edition 920XM arrived. The chip operates at a base clock of 1.73 GHz to manage the 45W TDP, but Intel Turbo Boost 1.0 can push single-core speeds up to 3.06 GHz. The large 8MB cache significantly improved performance in professional applications and data-heavy workloads. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1333, providing high bandwidth. As a Clarksfield chip, it completely lacks integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU in all laptop designs. The 820QM uses the Socket G1 (rPGA988A) interface. The combination of 8 threads and 8MB cache made it the top choice for mobile workstations in 2009, offering performance comparable to desktop Core i7-920 systems of the era.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, 8MB L3 cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1333.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0 x16.
Overclocking
Locked.
- Integrated memory controller
- Hyper-Threading
- Larger cache
Key Highlights
- Large 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.06 GHz turbo boost
- 8 threads for multitasking
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Very hot running (45W)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
- Expensive at launch
History
Launched in September 2009, the Core i7-820QM was Intel's premium mobile quad-core offering, designed to bring desktop-class Nehalem performance to laptops. The Clarksfield architecture's monolithic 45nm die housed four cores and a massive 8MB L3 cache, providing workstation-class performance for CAD, 3D rendering, and virtualization. The 820QM operated at 1.
73 GHz base and 3.06 GHz turbo, carefully balancing multi-core heat output with single-core burst speed. Its $546 launch price reflected its premium status, making it a common sight in high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations.
Like other Clarksfield chips, it lacked integrated graphics, requiring large discrete GPUs and robust cooling systems. The 820QM established the blueprint for high-end mobile computing, proving that true quad-core performance was viable in a laptop form factor. It was eventually superseded by the slightly faster 840QM in 2010.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated memory controller
- Hyper-Threading
- Larger cache
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Repairing a legacy mobile workstation
Avoid if…
- Modern computing
- Battery-powered use
- New laptop purchase
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
It was launched in September 2009.
It has a turbo boost of 3.06 GHz.
It lacks integrated graphics entirely.
The base clock is 1.73 GHz.
It uses the Socket G1 (rPGA) interface.
Tjmax is 100°C.
Part numbers include SLBLX and Q3B9.
It was the processor of choice for early Dell Alienware laptops.
It offered performance comparable to the desktop i7-920.
People Also Ask
When was the Core i7-820QM released?
It was released on September 23rd, 2009.
Is the Core i7-820QM good for gaming?
It is okay for older games, but lacks modern single-core speed.
Does the Core i7-820QM have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
How many cores does the Core i7-820QM have?
It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-820QM?
The TDP is 45 Watts.
What socket does the Core i7-820QM use?
It uses Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A).
Can the Core i7-820QM be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the base clock of the Core i7-820QM?
The base clock is 1.73 GHz.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core i7-820QM?
It can turbo boost up to 3.06 GHz.
Does the Core i7-820QM support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cache size of the Core i7-820QM?
It has 8MB of L3 Smart Cache.
What memory speed does the Core i7-820QM support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1333 MT/s.
Does the Core i7-820QM support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the maximum temperature for the Core i7-820QM?
The maximum junction temperature is 100°C.
Is the Core i7-820QM still manufactured?
No, it is End-of-life.
What process node is the Core i7-820QM built on?
It is built on a 45nm process.
What chipsets support the Core i7-820QM?
Compatible chipsets include PM55, HM55, QM57, and HM57.
What was the launch price of the Core i7-820QM?
The launch price was $546.
Does the Core i7-820QM support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it supports 8 threads on 4 cores.
Is the 820QM better than the 720QM?
Yes, it has a larger cache (8MB vs 6MB) and higher turbo clocks.