Intel Core i7-2760QM vs Intel Core i7-2820QM Comparison

The benchmark data for the Intel Core i7-2820QM and Intel Core i7-2760QM shows two very closely matched Sandy Bridge mobile processors. The i7-2820QM wins six of the eight recorded head-to-head tests, while the i7-2760QM takes two. However, the margins are narrow, and the average benchmark scores place both at the 29th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The i7-2820QM records an average score of 1069, while the i7-2760QM averages 1057. This is not a generational leap, but a fine-tuning of the same architecture.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most consistent pattern in the data is the i7-2820QM’s advantage in Cinebench workloads. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-2820QM scores 372 against 366 for the i7-2760QM, a 1.6% lead. The single-core R15 result shows a 2% edge, with scores of 52 and 51. This trend continues in Cinebench R20, where the i7-2820QM leads by 1.8% in multi-core (1552 vs. 1525) and by 1.9% in single-core (219 vs. 215). The Cinebench R23 results follow suit: multi-core sees a 1.8% gap (3697 vs. 3631), and single-core shows a 2% difference (522 vs. 512). In all six of these tests, the i7-2820QM is the winner, with deltas ranging from 1.6% to 2%.

The Geekbench results flip the script, favoring the i7-2760QM. In Geekbench multi-core, the i7-2760QM scores 1625 against 1623 for the i7-2820QM, a negligible 0.1% difference. The more significant divergence appears in Geekbench single-core, where the i7-2760QM scores 534 versus 517, giving it a 3.2% advantage. This is the largest margin in any test between the two processors, and it represents the i7-2760QM’s most decisive win. The multi-core Geekbench result is essentially a tie, but the single-core score shows a clear, if modest, superiority for the i7-2760QM.

Interpreting the averages, the i7-2820QM holds a slight overall edge. Its average benchmark score of 1069 is 12 points higher than the i7-2760QM’s 1057, a difference of about 1.1%. The nearest rivals for the i7-2820QM include the Intel Processor N95 (avg score 1070, delta -0.1%) and the AMD Athlon X4 880K (avg score 1071, delta -0.2%), placing it in a competitive mid-range pocket. For the i7-2760QM, the nearest rival is the Intel Pentium G4600 (avg score 1056, delta 0.1%), followed by the AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (avg score 1058, delta -0.1%). Both processors sit within a narrow performance band where a few points separate them from their closest competitors.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i7-2820QM wins six of the eight head-to-head tests, including all six Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 runs. The Intel Core i7-2760QM wins the two Geekbench tests.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest delta is in Geekbench single-core, where the i7-2760QM leads by 3.2% (534 vs. 517). The smallest gap is also in Geekbench multi-core, where the i7-2760QM wins by only 0.1% (1625 vs. 1623).

Q: How do their average scores compare?

A: The i7-2820QM has an average benchmark score of 1069, while the i7-2760QM averages 1057. This puts the i7-2820QM about 1.1% ahead on average.

Q: Are both processors in the same performance percentile?

A: Yes, both are recorded at the 29th percentile of all CPUs in the database, indicating they perform at a comparable level relative to the broader market.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The i7-2760QM has a boost clock of 3.50 GHz, compared to 3.40 GHz for the i7-2820QM. The base clocks are 2.40 GHz and 2.30 GHz, respectively.

Q: Do they share the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both feature Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics and have the same 45 W TDP.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel’s Sandy Bridge architecture, using the same 32 nm process node and the same foundry. The transistor count is identical at 1,160 million, and the die size is the same at 216 mm². The cache hierarchy shows a key difference: the i7-2820QM has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-2760QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core.

The socket differs between the two. The i7-2820QM uses Intel Socket G2 (988B), while the i7-2760QM uses Intel BGA 1224. This means the i7-2820QM is designed for socketed mobile applications, whereas the i7-2760QM is a ball-grid array package intended for direct soldering to the motherboard. The part numbers also differ: SR012 for the i7-2820QM and SR02R for the i7-2760QM.

The release dates show a time gap. The i7-2820QM was released on January 2, 2011, while the i7-2760QM followed on September 3, 2011. Both are end-of-life products, and neither has a recorded launch MSRP. The generation field lists both under "Core i7 (Sandy Bridge)", and the architecture and codename are identical. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and both support dual-channel memory, though the memory bus is the only memory specification listed.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show a handful of differences between the two chips. The base clock is 2.30 GHz for the i7-2820QM and 2.40 GHz for the i7-2760QM. The boost clock is 3.40 GHz versus 3.50 GHz, favoring the i7-2760QM. The L3 cache is 8 MB for the i7-2820QM and 6 MB for the i7-2760QM, a 2 MB difference. The socket is another point of divergence, with the i7-2820QM on Intel Socket G2 (988B) and the i7-2760QM on Intel BGA 1224.

The release dates differ, with the i7-2820QM launching earlier in January 2011 and the i7-2760QM in September 2011. The part numbers are distinct: SR012 for the i7-2820QM and SR02R for the i7-2760QM. All other listed specifications match: 4 cores, 8 threads, 45 W TDP, 32 nm process, 1,160 million transistors, 216 mm² die size, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, dual-channel memory bus, no ECC support, Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics, mobile market segment, end-of-life production status, and no unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-2820QM is the clear winner in Cinebench workloads. Across R15, R20, and R23, it leads in both multi-core and single-core tests. The margins are small, ranging from 1.6% to 2%, but they are consistent. This suggests the i7-2820QM has a slight edge in rendering tasks that rely on the Cinebench test suite, likely tied to its larger 8 MB L3 cache. The i7-2820QM also wins the overall average score comparison, recording 1069 against 1057 for its rival.

The i7-2760QM wins in Geekbench, particularly in single-core performance. Its 3.2% advantage in Geekbench single-core is the largest delta between the two processors. It also wins Geekbench multi-core, though by a razor-thin 0.1%. The higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz likely contributes to this single-core advantage, as Geekbench tends to emphasize burst performance. For users prioritizing Geekbench scores, the i7-2760QM is the better choice.

In terms of socket compatibility, the i7-2820QM offers a socketed form factor with Intel Socket G2 (988B), which may be easier to service or replace in a laptop. The i7-2760QM’s BGA 1224 package is soldered, which typically means a permanent installation. The i7-2820QM’s earlier release date and larger L3 cache may appeal to those looking for a slightly more cache-rich design, while the i7-2760QM’s later release and higher clocks offer a different trade-off.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core i7-2820QM as the better overall performer. It wins six of eight head-to-head tests, holds a higher average benchmark score (1069 vs. 1057), and demonstrates consistent leads in all Cinebench versions. Its 8 MB L3 cache is double the 6 MB on the i7-2760QM, which likely explains its multi-threaded rendering advantages. For users running Cinebench or similar multi-threaded workloads, the i7-2820QM is the safer pick.

The Intel Core i7-2760QM is the choice for Geekbench-focused users. Its single-core score of 534 is 3.2% higher than the i7-2820QM’s 517, and its multi-core score of 1625 edges out the rival’s 1623. The higher base and boost clocks give it a clock-speed advantage that shows up in this test suite. However, its smaller L3 cache holds it back in the Cinebench tests, where it trails by margins of 1.6% to 2%.

Both processors sit at the 29th percentile, meaning they are not outliers in either direction. The nearest rivals for the i7-2820QM, such as the Intel Processor N95 (delta -0.1%) and the AMD Athlon X4 880K (delta -0.2%), are within a point of its average score. The i7-2760QM’s closest rival, the Intel Pentium G4600, sits just 0.1% below it. This indicates that neither chip offers a dramatic performance leap; they are both mid-pack mobile processors from the Sandy Bridge era.

The final recommendation depends on the workload. For Cinebench rendering and cache-sensitive tasks, take the i7-2820QM. For Geekbench single-core performance and slightly higher clock speeds, take the i7-2760QM. The i7-2820QM’s socketed design may also be a practical factor for upgrades, while the i7-2760QM’s soldered BGA package is more integrated. There is no dominant winner, but the i7-2820QM’s six wins and higher average score give it a slight verdict in its favor.