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Intel Core i7-2920XM vs Intel Core i7-2617M vs Intel Core i7-2629M

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.

Intel Core i7-2617M

► remove from comparison Intel 2617M

The Intel Core i7-2617M is power efficient ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor for thin and light laptops. The base frequency of 1.5 GHz is relatively low, but due to Turbo Boost 2.0, the CPU may clock up to 2.6 GHz (on core loaded, 2.3 GHz with both cores loaded). However, this is depending on the cooling and power consumption of the laptop. Due to HyperThreading, the i7-2617M is able to handle 4 threads in parallel. Compared to the slower i5-2537M, the 2617M offers a higher clock speed (processor core and turbo, graphics turbo) and more last level cache.

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 950MHz (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. Therefore, the performance should be similar to a Core i3-350M if the Turbo can be used often.

The TDP of 17W (includes the integrated GPU and memory controller) allows the use of the 2617M CPU in small subnotebooks.

Intel Core i7-2629M

► remove from comparison Intel 2629M

The Intel Core i7-2629M is power efficient LV (Low Voltage) processor for laptops. The base frequency of 2.1 GHz is relatively low, but due to Turbo Boost 2.0, the CPU may clock up to 3 GHz (on core loaded, 2.7 GHz with both cores loaded). However, this is depending on the cooling and power consumption of the laptop. Due to HyperThreading, the i7-2629M is able to handle 4 threads in parallel. Compared to the similar called Core i7-2620M, the 2629M is slower but also needs less power (25W versus 35W TDP).

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 500 or 1100MHz (Turbo Boost). Due to the slower base clock rate, compared to HD Graphics 3000 in 35W and 45W processors (usually clocked at 650), the performance should be a bit lower.

The performance of the CPU should be a bit higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i7 LV. Therefore, the performance should a bit above the Core i3-380M if the Turbo can be used often.

The TDP of 25W (includes the integrated GPU and memory controller) allows the use of the 2629M CPU in thin notebooks.

ModelIntel Core i7-2920XMIntel Core i7-2617MIntel Core i7-2629M
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 i7-2920XM « 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
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 i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M « 1.5 - 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 i7-2629M « 2.1 - 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
Clock2500 - 3500 MHz1500 - 2600 MHz2100 - 3000 MHz
L1 Cache256 KB128 KB128 KB
L2 Cache1 MB512 KB512 KB
L3 Cache8 MB4 MB4 MB
Cores / Threads4 / 82 / 42 / 4
TDP55 Watt17 Watt25 Watt
Transistors995 Million624 Million624 Million
Technology32 nm32 nm32 nm
Die Size216 mm2149 mm2149 mm2
max. Temp.100 °C100 °C100 °C
SocketFCPGA988BGA1023BGA1023
FeaturesHD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR3-1066/1333/1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationHD Graphics 3000 500-1100MHz, integrated DDR3-1333 memory controller, Virtualization, Trusted Execution, Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost 2.0
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (350 - 950 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (500 - 1100 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$1096 U.S.$100 U.S.$311 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 5.7     avg: 6     median: 6 (8%)     max: 6.2 Points
35%
1 2617M +
2.1 Points (3%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 4282     avg: 4387     median: 4378.5 (26%)     max: 4507 Points
76%
1 2617M +
3315 Points (20%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 16067     avg: 16949     median: 17187.5 (12%)     max: 17355 Points
39%
1 2617M +
6690 Points (5%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 19727     avg: 20763     median: 20959 (15%)     max: 21407 Points
39%
1 2617M +
8113 Points (6%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 5343     avg: 5525     median: 5565 (7%)     max: 5628 Points
74%
1 2617M +
4143 Points (5%)
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 264.9     avg: 276.9     median: 273.8 (3%)     max: 295 s
94%
1 2617M +
783 s (9%)
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 8.29     avg: 8.5     median: 8.4 (2%)     max: 8.9 s
97%
1 2617M +
24.1 s (5%)
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
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 5944     avg: 6100     median: 6131 (13%)     max: 6206 Points
45%
1 2617M +
2762 Points (6%)
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 10     avg: 10.5     median: 10 (2%)     max: 11.7 s
99%
1 2617M +
15.3 s (3%)
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 24     avg: 24.6     median: 24 (1%)     max: 25.9 s
100%
1 2617M +
34.8 s (1%)
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 580     avg: 600     median: 594 (3%)     max: 620 s
99%
1 2617M +
817 s (4%)
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 118300     avg: 121717     median: 121780 (58%)     max: 125070 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 71200     avg: 74190     median: 75680 (58%)     max: 75690 MFLOPS
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 7.5     avg: 7.6     median: 7.6 (97%)     max: 7.6 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 20540     avg: 21107     median: 21148 (19%)     max: 21592 Points
34%
1 2617M +
7233 Points (6%)
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
100%
1 2920XM +
min: 7804     avg: 7915     median: 7914.5 (21%)     max: 8025 Points

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2920XM → 0% n=

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2617M → 0% n=

- 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. 21:21:36

#0 checking url part for id 1503 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 1578 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 1580 +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 +0.042s ... 0.043s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.043s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 1503 +0.003s ... 0.045s

#8 got single benchmarks 1503 +0.025s ... 0.07s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 1578 +0.003s ... 0.073s

#10 got single benchmarks 1578 +0.01s ... 0.082s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 1580 +0.003s ... 0.085s

#12 got single benchmarks 1580 +0s ... 0.085s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.085s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.092s ... 0.177s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.177s

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