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Intel Core i7 3920XM Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£970
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,100
  • PassMark benchmark result: 5745
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.8 GHz

Intel Core i7 3920XM review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.1

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

4.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.8

Platform

1.0%

6.7

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.8

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.0

    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

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £970

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3920XM is a high-performance 3rd-generation Ivy Bridge Extreme Edition mobile processor featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz, and a max turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz. Built on a 22nm process with an 8MB L3 cache and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, its primary advantages include an unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking and support for fast DDR3-1600 memory. However, it carries a high 55W TDP that requires significant cooling, and it is now considered an aging architecture that lacks the efficiency and instruction sets of modern mobile CPUs.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3920XM

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.1
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a technical score of 4.15 points, which is lower than that of 77.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.1

Overall score

40.0%

5.4

Price

4.5
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.5 points, which is lower than 99.7% of products in this category.
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

mobile
Intel Core i7 3920XM belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
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

FCPGA988
Intel Core i7 3920XM uses the FCPGA988 CPU socket, which is older than that of 62.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
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

QM77, HM77
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports QM77, HM77 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 64% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
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

x86-64
Intel Core i7 3920XM uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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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+

4
Intel Core i7 3920XM has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
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+

8
Intel Core i7 3920XM offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
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

2
Intel Core i7 3920XM offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
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

3.8 GHz
Intel Core i7 3920XM reaches a boost clock of 3.8 GHz which is lower than that of 68.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
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

4 x 2.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a base clock of 4x2.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
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

22 nm
Intel Core i7 3920XM uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
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

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i7 3920XM is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
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

8 MB
Intel Core i7 3920XM has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
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

1 MB
Intel Core i7 3920XM has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
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

256 KB
Intel Core i7 3920XM has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
Show more
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

DDR3
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
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

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
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

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
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

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is higher than that of 86.5% of processors and equal to 0.4% of processors.
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

32 GB
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
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

yes
Intel Core i7 3920XM includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
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

Intel HD Graphics 4000
Intel Core i7 3920XM uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 69.5% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
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

16
Intel Core i7 3920XM has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
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

650 MHz
Intel Core i7 3920XM has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
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

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 3920XM supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 58.1% of processors and equal to 1.3% of processors.
Show more
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

55 W
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a TDP of 55 W which is higher than that of 63.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% of processors.
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

55 W
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a base power of 55 W which is higher than that of 64.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
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

55 W
Intel Core i7 3920XM has a boost power of 55 W which is lower than that of 57.3% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
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

no
Intel Core i7 3920XM does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 3920XM vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 3920XM has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 3920XM supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 3920XM supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM 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
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 3920XM supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
    April 2012
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 58.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (606 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 22% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,937 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 11.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 56.4% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,090 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 45.5% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,745 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3920XM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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 3920XM has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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.
  • 22.2% higher base power
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 22.2% higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 58.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (606 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (606 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.606 vs 1,471
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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
  • 22% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,937 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 3920XM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,937 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,937 vs 2,483
  • 11.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 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 3920XM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 56.4% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3920XM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,090 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 3920XM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,090 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.2,090 vs 4,793
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3920XM 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 3920XM 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
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3920XM and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3920XM?

  • Unlocked multiplier allows for easy overclocking, reaching speeds up to 4.5GHz on all cores with proper cooling
  • Significant performance leap over its predecessor (i7-2960XM), with architectural improvements providing a 10-15% boost
  • Top-tier quad-core performance for its era, effectively handling intensive multitasking and gaming
  • Strong integrated graphics for the time, featuring Intel HD Graphics 4000 with 16 execution units
  • Support for modern-standard features like PCI Express 3.0 and faster DDR3-1600 memory

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3920XM?

  • High power consumption with a 55W TDP, significantly higher than standard mobile i7 models
  • Runs extremely hot, requiring substantial cooling solutions found only in large 17-inch+ laptops to avoid throttling
  • Historically very expensive, often carrying a premium price tag that significantly inflated laptop costs
  • Integrated GPU is often redundant in the high-end gaming laptops it powers, as they typically use dedicated graphics
  • Outperformed by newer architectures (like Haswell) which offer better power efficiency and faster single-core speeds

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3920XM Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser Would you like to see a performance comparison between this processor and its successor, the i7-39...

The Intel Core i7-3920XM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge-based, high-performance quad-core mobile processor released in 2012 featuring a 2.9 GHz base clock, 3.8 GHz turbo, and 8 threads. It boasts an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and 10–15% better performance than its predecessor, alongside Intel HD Graphics 4000 support. However, the chip requires significant cooling for its high 55W...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3920XM - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3920XM is a high-performance 2012 "Extreme Edition" mobile processor based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with a base frequency of 2.9 GHz. It offers an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 memory, providing high performance for its era. However, its 55W TDP requires robust cooling, limiting it to...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3920XM @ 2.90GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3920XM is a 3rd Gen "Ivy Bridge" Extreme Edition laptop processor from 2012, featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 2.90 GHz base clock with 3.80 GHz Turbo. As an "XM" model, it offers an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and supports 8 MB of L3 cache, positioning it as a top-tier mobile performer for its era. Key advantages include superior performance over...Read more

W
wccftech.com
06/01/2012
Intel's Fastest 22nm Mobile Ivy Bridge Chip "Core i7-3920XM" Tested

The Wccftech review of the Intel Core i7-3920XM highlights the 22nm Ivy Bridge mobile flagship as a 2.9 GHz quad-core processor offering exceptional performance and improved performance-per-watt via 22nm Tri-Gate technology. While the chip provides significantly enhanced integrated graphics and desktop-rivaling speed for 2012 laptops, its 55W TDP requires robust cooling, presenting...Read more

C
cnet.com
22/04/2012
Origin EON17-S (Intel Core i7-3920XM) review - CNET

The Origin EON17-S (Intel Core i7-3920XM), as reviewed by CNET, is a high-performance gaming laptop utilizing Ivy Bridge processors and Nvidia GeForce GTX 675M graphics, designed for extreme desktop-replacement capabilities. While offering blistering performance and personalized service, the machine is characterized by a bulky, 11-pound design, a generic aesthetic, and high costs...Read more

C
computerwoche.de
04/05/2012
Origin EON17-S Review: 11 Pounds of Power

The Origin EON17-S is identified as a high-performance, 11-pound desktop replacement designed for extreme gaming rather than portability. Pros include exceptional performance from overclocked CPUs and top-tier GPUs, complemented by a quality matte 1080p display and robust storage options. Cons, however, center on its massive weight, poor battery life often under 3.5 hours, and a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
computerwoche.de
16/05/2012
MSI GT70 Review: Large Display, Long-Lasting Performance

The MSI GT70 is a high-performance 17.3-inch gaming laptop featuring a matte, anti-glare display, powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and a fast "Super RAID" SSD configuration, bolstered by a quality Dynaudio 2.1 sound system. Key advantages include the responsive backlit SteelSeries keyboard and surprising five-hour-plus battery life for light tasks, despite its, heavy 3.9kg build...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.fr
29/12/2012
Preview: AMD Radeon 8790M & 8770M vs. 15 Mobile GPUs

The Hardware.fr review of the Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition highlights a 6-core/12-thread Sandy Bridge-E processor designed for top-tier HEDT performance with a 3.5 GHz base clock. The chip offers exceptional multi-threaded performance for rendering and video encoding, alongside excellent overclocking potential due to its unlocked multiplier. Conversely, the high 150W TDP...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tomshw.it
17/05/2012
Ivy Bridge Mobile: Core i7 at 55, 45, and 35 W

The Intel Core i7-3720QM introduces 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture to mobile devices, featuring a 2.6 GHz base frequency, 8 threads, and an improved Intel HD Graphics 4000 GPU. Key advantages include 20% faster CPU performance and doubled Quick Sync speeds over Sandy Bridge, along with native USB 3.0 support via 7-series chipsets, all within a 45W TDP. However, the integrated graphics...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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