Intel Core i7-2920XM vs AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-64

The Intel Core i7-2920XM is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q1 2011 with a suggested retail price of $1,096. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i7-2920XM is compatible with Intel Socket G2 (988B) motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-2920XM supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-2920XM has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 8 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-2920XM features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.5 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.5 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-2920XM includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-2920XM has the 359th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 768 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 20.68% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. Its 7,914.5 score and $1,096 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 7.22. This is the 222nd best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

The AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 is an end-of-life 2-core (2-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q4 2008. It is part of AMD's Athlon X2 lineup, which is based on the Griffin microarchitecture. The 64 X2 QL-64 is compatible with AMD Socket S1 motherboards and is fabricated on a 65 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

In terms of cache, the Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 256 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1 MB, is larger but slower than the L1.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 features 2 total cores which can process 2 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.1 GHz. Higher clock speeds result in higher performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.