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Intel Core i7-2820QM vs Intel Core i7-2657M vs Intel Core i7-2920XM

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.

Intel Core i7-2657M

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core i7-2657M is power efficient ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor for thin and light laptops. The base frequency of 1.6 GHz is relatively low, but due to Turbo Boost 2.0, the CPU may clock up to 2.7 GHz (on core loaded, 2.4 GHz with both cores loaded). However, this depends on the cooling and power consumption of the laptop. Due to HyperThreading, the i7-2657M is able to handle 4 threads in parallel. Compared to the slower i7-2617M, the 2657M offers a higher clock speed (processor core and turbo, graphics turbo).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable 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 1000MHz (Turbo Boost). Due to the slower clock rate, compared to HD Graphics 3000 in 35W and 45W processors (usually clocked at 650-1100/1300MHz 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. In our benchmarks (see below), the ULV processor was as fast as a Core i3-2310M due to the high Turbo Boost frequencies. 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 2657M CPU in small subnotebooks.

Intel Core i7-2920XM

► remove from comparison Intel 2920XM

The Intel Core i7-2920XM is the fastest quad-core processor for laptops in Q1-2011. Due to the Extreme Edition branding, the CPU should be easy to overclock (unlocked multiplicator). 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 i7-2920XM is now manufactured in 32nm, offers an integrated graphics card and AES functions. Compared to the slower clocked 2820QM, the 2920XM is specified with a higher TDP.

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 Core i7-2920XM 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.

Due to the high Turbo Boost and Hyperthreading, the performance of the Core i7-2920XM can reach levels of the fast desktop Core i5-2500K processor. Compared to the previous generation, the i7-2920XM is up to 42% faster than the old Core i7-940XM processor. Therefore, the performance should be sufficient for even the most demanding tasks like HD video editing or 3D games. Extensive benchmarks can be found at the end of this page and in our review of the new Sandy Bridge quad core processors.

The high TDP rating of the 2920XM enables the usage of the quad core only in large and heavy laptops (usually 15" and up). Compared to the previous generation of quad-cores, however, the TDP improved, as the integrated GPU is now included.

ModelIntel Core i7-2820QMIntel Core i7-2657MIntel Core i7-2920XM
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 i7-2820QM « 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
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 i7-2637M1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M « 1.6 - 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 i7-2920XM « 2.5 - 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 i7-2637M1.7 - 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
Clock2300 - 3400 MHz1600 - 2700 MHz2500 - 3500 MHz
L1 Cache256 KB128 KB256 KB
L2 Cache1 MB512 KB1 MB
L3 Cache8 MB4 MB8 MB
Cores / Threads4 / 82 / 44 / 8
TDP45 Watt17 Watt55 Watt
Transistors995 Million624 Million995 Million
Technology32 nm32 nm32 nm
Die Size216 mm2149 mm2216 mm2
max. Temp.100 °C100 °C100 °C
SocketFCBGA1224, FCPGA988BGA1023FCPGA988
FeaturesHD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR-1066/1333/1600 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), DDR3-1066/1333/1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (350 - 1000 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$568 U.S.$317 U.S.$1096 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 4.41     avg: 5.2     median: 5.5 (7%)     max: 5.81 Points
1.9 Points (2%)
min: 5.7     avg: 6     median: 6 (8%)     max: 6.2 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 4200     avg: 4274     median: 4249.5 (26%)     max: 4365 Points
3491 Points (21%)
min: 4282     avg: 4387     median: 4378.5 (26%)     max: 4507 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 12641     avg: 14782     median: 15043.5 (11%)     max: 16105 Points
6229 Points (5%)
min: 16067     avg: 16949     median: 17187.5 (12%)     max: 17355 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
min: 16327     avg: 18631     median: 19316 (13%)     max: 20393 Points
7715 Points (5%)
min: 19727     avg: 20763     median: 20959 (15%)     max: 21407 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
min: 5232     avg: 5368     median: 5372 (7%)     max: 5468 Points
4376 Points (5%)
min: 5343     avg: 5525     median: 5565 (7%)     max: 5628 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
100%
1 2820QM +
min: 281     avg: 366.3     median: 360.2 (4%)     max: 458.6 s
101%
1 2920XM +
min: 264.9     avg: 276.9     median: 273.8 (3%)     max: 295 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
100%
1 2820QM +
min: 8.27     avg: 10.7     median: 10 (2%)     max: 13.64 s
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 8.29     avg: 8.5     median: 8.4 (2%)     max: 8.9 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 3296     avg: 3923     median: 3923 (6%)     max: 4550 Points
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 30.4     avg: 30.8     median: 30.8 (11%)     max: 31.2 fps
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 129.4     avg: 131.4     median: 131.4 (30%)     max: 133.4 fps
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 0.293     avg: 0.3     median: 0.3 (0%)     max: 0.296 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 0.508     avg: 0.5     median: 0.5 (9%)     max: 0.521 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 2.8     avg: 3     median: 3 (8%)     max: 3.1 GB/s
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 4427     avg: 5486     median: 5818.5 (12%)     max: 5923 Points
2546 Points (5%)
min: 5944     avg: 6100     median: 6131 (13%)     max: 6206 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
min: 11     avg: 11.2     median: 11 (2%)     max: 11.6 s
14 s (3%)
min: 10     avg: 10.5     median: 10 (2%)     max: 11.7 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
min: 23.1     avg: 29.7     median: 25 (1%)     max: 54 s
32 s (1%)
min: 24     avg: 24.6     median: 24 (1%)     max: 25.9 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
min: 618     avg: 628     median: 625 (3%)     max: 644 s
751 s (3%)
min: 580     avg: 600     median: 594 (3%)     max: 620 s
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
min: 83000     avg: 90497     median: 87000 (41%)     max: 101490 MIPS
40570 MIPS (19%)
min: 118300     avg: 121717     median: 121780 (58%)     max: 125070 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
min: 23590     avg: 53623     median: 66280 (51%)     max: 71000 MFLOPS
26000 MFLOPS (20%)
min: 71200     avg: 74190     median: 75680 (58%)     max: 75690 MFLOPS
PCMark 05 - PCMark 05 - Standard
100%
1 2820QM +
13842 Points (29%)
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
min: 7.4     avg: 7.5     median: 7.5 (96%)     max: 7.5 Points
6.6 Points (85%)
min: 7.5     avg: 7.6     median: 7.6 (97%)     max: 7.6 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
min: 16115     avg: 18441     median: 18520 (16%)     max: 20526 Points
7732 Points (7%)
min: 20540     avg: 21107     median: 21148 (19%)     max: 21592 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
min: 5165     avg: 6335     median: 6724 (18%)     max: 7245 Points
3102 Points (8%)
min: 7804     avg: 7915     median: 7914.5 (21%)     max: 8025 Points

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2820QM → 100% n=14

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2657M → 63% n=14

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2920XM → 109% n=14

- 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. 21:41:38

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

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#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 +0.033s ... 0.034s

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#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 1501 +0.003s ... 0.037s

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#10 got single benchmarks 1579 +0.007s ... 0.076s

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#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.099s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.147s ... 0.246s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.246s

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Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)