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.
| Codename | Sandy Bridge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series | Intel Core i7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series: Core i7 Sandy Bridge
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| Clock Rate | 2500 - 3500 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 Cache | 256 KB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 Cache | 1 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 3 Cache | 8 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power) | 55 Watt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transistor Count | 995 Million | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing Technology | 32 nm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Die Size | 216 mm2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Max. Temperature | 100 °C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Socket | FCPGA988 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Features | HD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR3-1066/1333/1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 64 Bit | 64 Bit support | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Architecture | x86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting Price | $1096 U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Announcement Date | 01/06/2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product Link (external) | ark.intel.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Average benchmark values for this graphics cardOne M73-2N: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M, 17.30", 3.8 kg
External Review » One M73-2N
Alienware M18x, 6990M: AMD Radeon HD 6990M Crossfire, 18.40", 5.5 kg
External Review » Alienware M18x, 6990M
Dell Precision M4600: NVIDIA Quadro 2000M, 15.60", 3.2 kg
External Review » Dell Precision M4600
Alienware M18x (GTX 580M SLI, 2920XM): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M SLI, 18.40", 5.6 kg
External Review » Alienware M18x (GTX 580M SLI, 2920XM)
Origin PC EON17-S: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M, 17.30", 3.9 kg
External Review » Origin PC EON17-S
Alienware M18x: AMD Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire, 18.40", 5.6 kg
External Review » Alienware M18x
SCHENKER XMG P501: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 485M, 15.60", 3.2 kg
External Review » mySN XMG P501
» Mobile CPU Comparison
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