Intel Core i7-820QM

The Intel Core i7-820QM is a mobile quad-core processor from the Clarksfield generation, built on a 45 nm process with 774 million transistors. Launched with a $546 launch MSRP, it now ranks in the 12th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 573. That score places it in a statistical dead heat with three rivals: the Intel Xeon E5506, the Intel Core i7-740QM, and the AMD Athlon II X4 610e, all of which also average 573. The only rival to edge it out is the AMD Athlon II X4 605e, which averages 574, a 0.2% lead. This is a processor whose performance profile is defined by its multi-threaded capability rather than its single-thread speed.

Who Should Consider It

The data indicates that the i7-820QM is a multi-thread-oriented part. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1545 and Geekbench multi-core score of 970 are substantially higher than the corresponding single-core scores of 218 and 381. For workloads that scale across all 8 threads, such as content creation, this processor will perform in line with its nearest rivals. The 12th percentile overall ranking, however, means that any task sensitive to single-thread performance will be severely constrained. Gaming, which often relies on a few fast cores, will be limited by the 218 R23 single-core score. Office productivity that is lightly threaded will feel sluggish, but basic multi-threaded office tasks will be acceptable. Users who need to run legacy mobile systems with modest multi-threaded requirements are the primary audience. The processor's lack of integrated graphics (integratedGraphics is None) means a discrete GPU is mandatory, so it is not suitable for ultra-thin or budget-oriented builds. The 45 W TDP and 45 nm process node also suggest that this is not a power-efficient choice for modern battery-conscious workloads.

Power and Thermals

The i7-820QM carries a TDP of 45 W. This is a moderate power envelope for a mobile processor, but the underlying silicon is built on a 45 nm process node with 774 million transistors packed into a 296 mm² die. The combination of a relatively large die and an older process node means that thermal density is a concern. A capable active cooling solution is required; passive cooling is not viable at this TDP. The 45 W figure also implies that the processor will generate significant heat under sustained multi-threaded load, as evidenced by the multi-core scores. The 21.3 GB/s memory bandwidth and dual-channel DDR3 support do not add significant thermal burden, but the CPU itself needs a robust heatsink and fan. For laptop designers, this means a standard cooling module with a dedicated fan is necessary. The 45 W TDP places it in the mainstream mobile category, not the ultra-low-power segment. Users should expect fan noise under load, given the 45 W dissipation.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the Intel Socket G1 interface. Memory support is limited to DDR3, operating in a dual-channel configuration with a maximum bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, so this is strictly for consumer or non-server mobile platforms. The PCIe interface is Gen 2 with 16 lanes (CPU only), which means the CPU provides the full lane count for a discrete GPU and other peripherals. However, integratedGraphics is None, so a separate graphics adapter is mandatory for any display output. The production status is end-of-life, indicating that no new systems will be built around this part, and there is no forward upgrade path beyond the Socket G1 platform. The multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked is false), so overclocking is not possible. The part number is SLBLXQ3B9. The release date is 2009-09-22, and the architecture is Nehalem with the codename Clarksfield. The generation is listed as Core i7 (Clarksfield).

How It Compares

Against the Intel Xeon E5506, the i7-820QM is exactly tied. Both processors achieve an average benchmark score of 573, with a delta of 0%. The Xeon is a server-class part, but in the database, the two perform identically. Against the Intel Core i7-740QM, the sibling mobile part, the i7-820QM again shows a 0% delta with an identical average score of 573. There is no measurable performance difference between these two mobile CPUs. The AMD Athlon II X4 610e also matches the i7-820QM with a 573 average and a 0% delta. This is notable because the Athlon is a desktop part, yet it delivers the same average performance. The AMD Athlon II X4 605e is the only rival to pull ahead, posting an average score of 574, which translates to a 0.2% delta in favor of the AMD part. While this lead is statistically negligible, it does mean the i7-820QM is not the top performer in its immediate peer group. Overall, the i7-820QM sits in a cluster of four processors that are virtually indistinguishable in average score.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for the i7-820QM are consistent across multiple test suites. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 155. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 648, while the single-core score is 91. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score is 1545, and the single-core score is 218. Geekbench results show a multi-core score of 970 and a single-core score of 381. The average benchmark score across all tests is 573. This places the processor in the 12th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Relative to its nearest rivals, the i7-820QM is exactly tied with the Intel Xeon E5506, the Intel Core i7-740QM, and the AMD Athlon II X4 610e, all of which have an average score of 573. The AMD Athlon II X4 605e leads by a slim margin with a 574 average, giving it a 0.2% advantage. The single-core scores are particularly weak, with the R23 single-core score of 218 being far lower than the multi-core 1545. This indicates that the processor's strength lies in multi-threaded workloads, not single-threaded responsiveness. The 12th percentile ranking confirms that this is a low-end processor by current standards, but within its peer group, it holds its own.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core i7-820QM?

A: The TDP is 45 W.

Q: Does the processor include integrated graphics?

A: No, integratedGraphics is None, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: What memory type and bandwidth does it support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What socket does this processor use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket G1 interface.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked is false).

Q: How does it compare to the AMD Athlon II X4 605e?

A: The i7-820QM has an average score of 573, which is 0.2% behind the Athlon II X4 605e's score of 574.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark data reveals a pronounced split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 1545 dwarfs the single-core score of 218. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score of 648 is similarly dominant over the single-core 91. Geekbench shows a multi-core score of 970 versus a single-core 381. This divergence indicates that the processor's 4 cores and 8 threads are its primary asset. Multi-threaded applications that can utilize all threads will see substantial throughput, while single-threaded tasks will be bottlenecked by the low single-core scores. The single-core scores of 218 (R23) and 91 (R20) are consistent with the 12th percentile overall ranking. For real-world workloads, this means that content creation tasks, which are highly parallel, will benefit from the 1545 R23 multi-core score. Conversely, office productivity tasks, which are often single-threaded, will feel sluggish. The data suggests that the i7-820QM is best suited for batch-oriented, multi-threaded workloads rather than interactive, single-threaded applications.