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Intel Core i7 3820QM Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$40
PassMark benchmark result: 5593
N. of physical cores: 4
CPU boost clock speed: 3.7 GHz

Intel Core i7 3820QM review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Poor

4.4

Poor

7.3

Very good

4.3
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
2.6
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
9.0
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
3.7
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.1
L3 cache
8.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
2.0
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
1.6
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.8
CPU threads
15.0%
2.1
L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#4 in Best Mobile CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3820QM is a high-end quad-core mobile processor based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring 4 physical cores, 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, and 8MB of L3 cache. It operates at a base frequency of 2.7 GHz with a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz and includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. Key advantages include strong multi-threaded performance for its era, support for up to 32GB of DDR3/L-1600 memory, and improved energy efficiency through the use of 3D transistors. However, it is hindered by a relatively high 45W TDP that can lead to thermal throttling in smaller laptops, and as a legacy component launched in 2012, it lacks support for modern instruction sets and high-speed DDR4 or DDR5 memory.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3820QM

Overall score

4.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

6.9

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

4.3

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

4.2

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

3.5

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

6.7

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

5.3

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i7 3820QM vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 3820QM better than the average processor?

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5 °C higher TJ Max
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=100 °C
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i7 3820QM is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
Intel Core i7 3820QM is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).£35 vs £250
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 3820QM has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i7 3820QM has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=350 MHz
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 3820QM has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
5 °C higher TJ Max
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i7 3820QM worse than the average processor?

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8 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 3820QM has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
April 2,012
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 3820QM supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 3820QM does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
25.5% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,850 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
14% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 3820QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
58.2% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,003 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
46.9% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,593 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
37.5% lower bus speed
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
60% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 3820QM has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i7 3820QM uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
33.3% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
71.7% fewer transistors
Intel Core i7 3820QM has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
Less advanced foundry
Intel Core i7 3820QM uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 3820QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
50% less memory capacity
Intel Core i7 3820QM has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
75% less memory per DIMM
Intel Core i7 3820QM has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (8 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
Inferior integrated GPU
Intel Core i7 3820QM uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 3820QM does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
5 °C higher CPU temperature
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
25.5% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,850 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,850 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,850 vs 2,483
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
14% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 3820QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i7 3820QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
58.2% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,003 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,003 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.2,003 vs 4,793
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 3820QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: DDR5
Intel Core i7 3820QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >75 GB/s
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
46.9% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,593 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i7 3820QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,593 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.5,593 vs 10,532.5

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3820QM and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3820QM?

High multithreaded performance for its era with 4 cores and 8 threads
Solid turbo boost clock speeds reaching up to 3.7 GHz
Effective for multitasking, light video editing, and older gaming titles
Large 8MB L3 cache compared to lower-tier i7 mobile models
Proven long-term reliability and stability in high-end workstations like the ThinkPad W530
Noticeable performance upgrade over dual-core mobile processors of the same generation

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3820QM?

High power consumption (45W TDP) can lead to significant heat and thermal throttling in thin laptops
Locked multiplier prevents significant overclocking compared to 'XM' extreme edition models
Integrated HD Graphics 4000 is outdated and struggles with modern 3D gaming and high-resolution rendering
Lacks official support for Windows 11, limiting its long-term software viability
Significant performance gap when compared to modern quad-core and hex-core laptop processors
High entry price for compatible laptops and limited motherboard upgrade paths today

Expert reviews

cpubenchmark.net

19/10/2021

Intel Core i7-3820QM @ 2.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks

a little longer The Intel Core i7-3820QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core mobile processor from 2012, featuring a 2.7 GHz base clock, 3.7 GHz turbo frequency, and Intel HD Graphics 4000. Key advantages include strong multi-threaded performance (4 cores/8 threads) for its era and capable video encoding for legacy systems, though it is limited to DDR3 memory. The 45W TDP brings...Read more

cpu.userbenchmark.com

30/03/2026

Intel Core i7-3820QM - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3820QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge-based quad-core processor (2.7-3.7 GHz) released in 2012, featuring 8 threads and a 45W TDP. Key advantages include robust multi-threaded performance, integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, and support for PCI Express 3.0 and AVX instructions, making it strong for high-performance laptops of its era. However, the processor features a locked...Read more

notebookcheck.com

14/05/2012

Apple: Benchmarks for the new MacBook Pro with Intel Core i7-3820QM and OS X 10.8

The Notebookcheck review of the mid-2012 Apple MacBook Pro 15 highlights the significant performance jump provided by the Intel Core i7-3820QM Ivy Bridge processor. Operating at 2.7 GHz with a 3.7 GHz Turbo, this quad-core chip combined with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion ensures a highly responsive experience for demanding tasks, supported by enhanced Intel HD Graphics 4000 performance....Read more

valid.x86.fr

01/03/2026

CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-3820QM (Single-Thread)

The CPU-Z validation (hvx38q) showcases an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X (8-core/16-thread, 7nm Zen 2) running at approximately 4291 MHz on an ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming 4 motherboard with 16GB of DDR4-3600 memory. As a 3000-series Matisse processor, it provides strong multi-threaded performance, excelling over older competition while supporting modern PCI-Express Gen 4 for faster NVMe and GPU...Read more

tweakers.net

23/06/2012

Apple MacBook Pro Retina: Pixel Perfect?

The 2012 Apple MacBook Pro with Retina display, reviewed by Tweakers, introduced a high-resolution 15.4-inch IPS screen (2880×1800) which significantly boosted image sharpness and reduced glare, despite lacking a matte option. Performance is driven by a quad-core Intel Core i7 and Nvidia GT 650M GPU, paired with fast flash storage for a highly responsive experience, though this...Read more

tweakers.net

13/07/2012

XNB Titan IV17 featuring AMD's fastest mobile Radeon

The XNB Titan IV17, featuring the AMD Radeon HD 7970M, delivers high-end mobile gaming performance at a competitive price point, utilizing a Clevo P170EM chassis with a matte 17.3-inch Full HD screen. Pros include superior raw performance competing with top-tier GPUs, great screen contrast, and easy component upgradability. However, cons include a bulky design, loud cooling fans,...Read more

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