Notebookcheck Logo

Intel Core i7-2720QM vs Intel Core i7-2637M vs Intel Core i7-2820QM

Intel Core i7-2720QM

► remove from comparison Intel 2720QM

The Intel Core i7-2720QM is a fast high-end quad core processor for laptops. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 8 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the previous Clarksdale quad-cores, the i7-2720QM is now manufactured in 32nm and offers an integrated graphics card and AES functions. Compared to the faster clocked 2820QM, the 2720QM offers less level 3 cache (6 vs. 8MB).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements are the new 256Bit AVX instructions, the improved Turbo Boost and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller was improved and supports up to 8 GB DDR3-1333.

The i7-2720QM offers an integrated graphics card (Intel HD Graphics 3000) which proved to be clearly faster than the old Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs and on a level with entry level dedicated graphics cards like the GeForce 310M. The HD Graphics 3000 also supports Turbo Boost and clocks between 650 MHz and 1300 MHz. As the graphics card shares the fast last level cache, the processor is a bit slower with activated GPU.

The performance of the Core i7-2720QM is noticeable better than the old i7-720QM and even a bit faster than the fastest Clarksfield CPU the Core i7-940XM quad core. Therefore, the performance should be sufficient for modern 3D games and demanding applications. Thanks to the fast Turbo Boost 2.0 even single threaded applications run very fast. The detailed benchmark results of the 2720QM can be found in the lower section of this page, or in our detailed review of the new Sandy Bridge quad core processors.

The relative high TDP rating of the 2720QM of 45 Watt enables the usage of the quad core only in 15" laptops and up. However, compared to the previous generation of quad-cores, the TDP improved, as the integrated GPU is now included.

Intel Core i7-2637M

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core i7-2637M is power efficient ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor for thin and light laptops. The base frequency of 1.7 GHz is relatively low, but due to Turbo Boost 2.0, the CPU may clock up to 2.8 GHz (on core loaded, 2.5 GHz with both cores loaded). However, this depends on the cooling and power consumption of the laptop. Due to HyperThreading, the i7-2637M is able to handle 4 threads in parallel. Compared to the slower i7-2617M, the 2637M offers a higher clock speed (processor core and turbo, graphics turbo).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most notable improvements is the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. 

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 clocked at 350 or 1200MHz (Turbo Boost). Due to the slower clock rate without the Turbo, compared to HD Graphics 3000 in 35W and 45W processors (usually clocked at 650 base speed in non LV processors), the performance should be noticeable lower.

The performance of the CPU should be a bit higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i5. Thanks to the high Turbo Boost frequencies, the performance should be similar to the Core i3-2310M. However, the laptop cooling system has to keep the processor relatively cool for the Turbo Boost to work often.

The TDP of 17W (includes the integrated GPU and memory controller) allows the use of the 2637M CPU in small subnotebooks.

Intel Core i7-2820QM

► remove from comparison Intel 2820QM

The Intel Core i7-2820QM is a fast high-end quad core processor for laptops. At the time of announcement (Jan. 2011) it was the fastest 45 Watt processor. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 8 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the previous Clarksdale quad-cores, the i7-2820QM is now manufactured in 32nm and offers an integrated graphics card and AES functions. Compared to the slower clocked 2720QM, the 2820QM offers more level 3 cache (8 vs. 6MB).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements are the new 256Bit AVX instructions, the improved Turbo Boost and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller was improved and supports up to 8 GB DDR3-1333.

The i7-2820QM offers an integrated graphics card (Intel HD Graphics 3000) which proved to be clearly faster than the old Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs and on a level with entry level dedicated graphics cards like the GeForce 310M. The HD Graphics 3000 also supports Turbo Boost and clocks between 650 MHz and 1300 MHz. As the graphics card shares the fast last level cache, the processor is a bit slower with activated GPU.

The performance of the Core i7-2820QM is noticeable better (e.g. Cinebench versions) than the previous generation Core i7-940XM quad core. Therefore, the performance should be sufficient for modern 3D games and demanding applications. Thanks to the fast Turbo Boost 2.0 even single threaded applications run very fast. The detailed benchmark results of the 2820QM can be found in the lower section of this page.

The relative high TDP rating of the 2820QM of 45 Watt enables the usage of the quad core only in 15" laptops and up. However, compared to the previous generation of quad-cores, the TDP improved, as the integrated GPU is now included.

ModelIntel Core i7-2720QMIntel Core i7-2637MIntel Core i7-2820QM
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameSandy BridgeSandy BridgeSandy Bridge
Series: Core i7 Sandy Bridge
Intel Core i7-2960XM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2860QM2.5 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2920XM2.5 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2760QM2.4 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2820QM2.3 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2720QM « 2.2 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2675QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2670QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2635QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2630QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2640M2.8 - 3.5 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2620M2.7 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2649M2.3 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2629M2.1 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2677M1.8 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2637M1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2960XM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2860QM2.5 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2920XM2.5 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2760QM2.4 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2820QM2.3 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2720QM2.2 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2675QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2670QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2635QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2630QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2640M2.8 - 3.5 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2620M2.7 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2649M2.3 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2629M2.1 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2677M1.8 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2637M « 1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2960XM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2860QM2.5 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2920XM2.5 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2760QM2.4 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2820QM « 2.3 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2720QM2.2 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2675QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2670QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2635QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2630QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2640M2.8 - 3.5 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2620M2.7 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2649M2.3 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2629M2.1 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2677M1.8 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2637M1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock2200 - 3300 MHz1700 - 2800 MHz2300 - 3400 MHz
L1 Cache256 KB128 KB256 KB
L2 Cache1 MB512 KB1 MB
L3 Cache6 MB4 MB8 MB
Cores / Threads4 / 82 / 44 / 8
TDP45 Watt17 Watt45 Watt
Transistors995 Million624 Million995 Million
Technology32 nm32 nm32 nm
Die Size216 mm2149 mm2216 mm2
max. Temp.100 °C100 °C100 °C
SocketFCBGA1224, FCPGA988BGA1023FCBGA1224, FCPGA988
FeaturesHD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationTurbo Boost 2.0, Hyper-Threading, Virtualization VT-x, Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d), Trusted Execution, AES, Intel 64, Anti-Theft, My WiFi, Idle States, Enhanced SpeedStep, Thermal Monitorin, Execute Disable BitHD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR-1066/1333/1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (350 - 1200 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$378 U.S.$289 U.S.$568 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com

Benchmarks

Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 2637M +
201 Points (1%)
Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 2637M +
93 Points (28%)
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 5.12     avg: 5.3     median: 5.3 (7%)     max: 5.64 Points
min: 2.19     avg: 2.2     median: 2.2 (3%)     max: 2.25 Points
min: 4.41     avg: 5.2     median: 5.5 (7%)     max: 5.81 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 2637M +
1.1 Points (27%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 4114     avg: 4168     median: 4167 (25%)     max: 4219 Points
min: 3529     avg: 3578     median: 3600 (22%)     max: 3605 Points
min: 4200     avg: 4274     median: 4249.5 (26%)     max: 4365 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 13961     avg: 14649     median: 14852 (11%)     max: 15301 Points
min: 7046     avg: 7069     median: 7074 (5%)     max: 7086 Points
min: 12641     avg: 14782     median: 15043.5 (11%)     max: 16105 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
min: 15819     avg: 17946     median: 18193 (13%)     max: 19061 Points
min: 8430     avg: 8639     median: 8722 (6%)     max: 8765 Points
min: 16327     avg: 18631     median: 19316 (13%)     max: 20393 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
min: 4204     avg: 5084     median: 5236 (6%)     max: 5299 Points
min: 4464     avg: 4469     median: 4471 (5%)     max: 4472 Points
min: 5232     avg: 5368     median: 5372 (7%)     max: 5468 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
min: 410.2     avg: 423.1     median: 423.5 (5%)     max: 435.6 s
min: 691     avg: 744     median: 765 (9%)     max: 776 s
min: 281     avg: 366.3     median: 360.2 (4%)     max: 458.6 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
min: 12.13     avg: 13     median: 13.1 (3%)     max: 13.73 s
min: 20.3     avg: 21.2     median: 21.7 (4%)     max: 21.7 s
min: 8.27     avg: 10.7     median: 10 (2%)     max: 13.64 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
100%
1 2637M +
min: 2286     avg: 2325     median: 2324.5 (4%)     max: 2363 Points
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
100%
1 2637M +
min: 11.95     avg: 12.1     median: 12.1 (4%)     max: 12.23 fps
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
100%
1 2637M +
min: 68.5     avg: 70.1     median: 69.5 (16%)     max: 72.2 fps
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
100%
1 2637M +
min: 0.112     avg: 0.1     median: 0.1 (0%)     max: 0.116 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
100%
1 2637M +
min: 0.196     avg: 0.2     median: 0.2 (3%)     max: 0.2 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
100%
1 2637M +
1.2 GB/s (3%)
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 5133     avg: 5529     median: 5616 (12%)     max: 5772 Points
min: 2814     avg: 2836     median: 2834 (6%)     max: 2860 Points
min: 4427     avg: 5486     median: 5818.5 (12%)     max: 5923 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
min: 11     avg: 11.4     median: 11 (2%)     max: 12.3 s
min: 13.7     avg: 14     median: 14 (3%)     max: 14.32 s
min: 11     avg: 11.2     median: 11 (2%)     max: 11.6 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
min: 26     avg: 27     median: 27 (1%)     max: 28.2 s
min: 31.9     avg: 32.3     median: 32 (1%)     max: 33.02 s
min: 23.1     avg: 29.7     median: 25 (1%)     max: 54 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
min: 635     avg: 650     median: 647 (3%)     max: 671 s
min: 735     avg: 755     median: 758 (3%)     max: 772 s
min: 618     avg: 628     median: 625 (3%)     max: 644 s
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
109640 MIPS (52%)
45450 MIPS (22%)
min: 83000     avg: 90497     median: 87000 (41%)     max: 101490 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
66400 MFLOPS (51%)
29870 MFLOPS (23%)
min: 23590     avg: 53623     median: 66280 (51%)     max: 71000 MFLOPS
PCMark 05 - PCMark 05 - Standard
100%
1 2820QM +
13842 Points (29%)
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
7.5 Points (96%)
6.9 Points (88%)
min: 7.4     avg: 7.5     median: 7.5 (96%)     max: 7.5 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
min: 11457     avg: 17984     median: 18725 (16%)     max: 19716 Points
min: 7546     avg: 7733     median: 7552 (7%)     max: 8101 Points
min: 16115     avg: 18441     median: 18520 (16%)     max: 20526 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
min: 5473     avg: 6495     median: 6627 (18%)     max: 7334 Points
3258 Points (9%)
min: 5165     avg: 6335     median: 6724 (18%)     max: 7245 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 2720QM +
36234 Points (29%)
77%
1 2637M +
27910 Points (23%)
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited Physics
100%
1 2637M +
29096 Points (25%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 2720QM +
5494 Points (14%)
43%
1 2637M +
2382 Points (6%)
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 2720QM +
7558 Points (13%)
44%
1 2637M +
3294 Points (6%)
Geekbench 4.4 - Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 2637M +
2769 Points (28%)
Geekbench 4.4 - Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 2637M +
5048 Points (6%)
Geekbench 4.0 - Geekbench 4.0 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 2637M +
2703 Points (37%)
Geekbench 4.0 - Geekbench 4.0 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 2637M +
4800 Points (12%)
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 32 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 2637M +
4566 Points (8%)
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 32 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 2637M +
2288 Points (45%)
Octane V2 - Octane V2 Total Score
100%
1 2637M +
16640 Points (15%)
Power Consumption - Prime95 Power Consumption - external Monitor *
100%
1 2637M +
29.1 Watt (5%)
Power Consumption - Cinebench R15 Multi Power Consumption - external Monitor *
100%
1 2637M +
30.5 Watt (6%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2720QM → 100% n=16

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2637M → 70% n=16

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2820QM → 100% n=16

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.26
log 28. 18:59:04

#0 checking url part for id 1499 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 2736 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 1501 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:35:32 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.031s ... 0.032s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.032s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 1499 +0.002s ... 0.034s

#8 got single benchmarks 1499 +0.039s ... 0.073s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 2736 +0.003s ... 0.076s

#10 got single benchmarks 2736 +0.027s ... 0.103s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 1501 +0.002s ... 0.105s

#12 got single benchmarks 1501 +0.018s ... 0.123s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.123s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.193s ... 0.316s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.316s

Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Benchmarks / Tech > Processor Comparison - Head 2 Head
Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)