Quick summary
- The 3820QM, being an older processor, is significantly more affordable, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget or seeking a capable CPU for less demanding tasks.
- However, if you are on a budget and your needs are less demanding, the 3820QM can still provide a decent performance at a fraction of the cost.
- While the 3820QM was a powerful processor in its time, the 10900X demonstrates the incredible leaps in performance, efficiency, and core count that have become possible through constant innovation.
The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with new generations and architectures pushing the boundaries of performance. But what happens when you compare a veteran like the Intel Core i7 3820QM to a modern powerhouse like the Intel Core i9 10900X? This blog post dives deep into the Intel Core i7 3820QM vs Intel Core i9 10900X comparison, analyzing their key features, performance, and suitability for different tasks.
A Look Back: The Intel Core i7 3820QM
Released in 2012, the Intel Core i7 3820QM is a mobile processor designed for laptops and other portable devices. It boasts a quad-core design with Hyper-Threading technology, allowing it to handle eight threads simultaneously. While it’s not a top-of-the-line CPU by today’s standards, the 3820QM was a formidable performer in its time. It features a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.7 GHz, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
The Modern Contender: Intel Core i9 10900X
The Intel Core i9 10900X, released in 2019, represents the pinnacle of desktop performance. This 10-core, 20-thread behemoth operates at a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.7 GHz. The 10900X is designed for extreme multitasking and high-performance computing, boasting a significantly larger L3 cache and a more advanced architecture compared to the 3820QM.
Core Count and Architecture: A Tale of Two Eras
The most apparent difference between the two processors lies in their core count and architecture. The 3820QM is a quad-core processor with Hyper-Threading, while the 10900X packs a whopping 10 cores and 20 threads. This difference in core count translates to a significant performance advantage for the 10900X, especially in tasks that can leverage multiple cores, such as video rendering, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations.
The architectural differences are equally substantial. The 3820QM utilizes the Ivy Bridge architecture, while the 10900X employs the Cascade Lake architecture. This means the 10900X benefits from significant advancements in instruction set, memory controller, and overall efficiency, resulting in a much faster and more capable processor.
Performance: A Clear Winner Emerges
In terms of raw performance, the Intel Core i9 10900X dominates the Intel Core i7 3820QM. Benchmarks show the 10900X delivering significantly higher scores in CPU-intensive tasks like multi-threaded rendering, gaming, and general productivity.
For example, in Cinebench R23, the 10900X scores around 25,000 points in multi-core performance, while the 3820QM manages only around 8,000 points. This difference illustrates the massive performance leap achieved by Intel’s processor technology in the years between these two CPUs.
Power Consumption and Heat: A Trade-Off
While the 10900X boasts superior performance, it comes at the cost of higher power consumption and heat generation. The 10900X has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165W, compared to the 3820QM’s 45W. This means the 10900X requires a more robust cooling solution and will consume significantly more power, potentially leading to higher electricity bills.
Price and Availability: A Matter of Perspective
The Intel Core i9 10900X is a premium processor, reflecting its high performance and advanced features. Therefore, it comes with a hefty price tag, making it a less attractive option for budget-conscious users. The 3820QM, being an older processor, is significantly more affordable, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget or seeking a capable CPU for less demanding tasks.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor
Ultimately, the choice between the Intel Core i7 3820QM and the Intel Core i9 10900X depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a powerful processor for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming, the 10900X is the clear winner. However, if you are on a budget and your needs are less demanding, the 3820QM can still provide a decent performance at a fraction of the cost.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Innovation
The Intel Core i7 3820QM vs Intel Core i9 10900X comparison highlights the remarkable progress made in CPU technology over the years. While the 3820QM was a powerful processor in its time, the 10900X demonstrates the incredible leaps in performance, efficiency, and core count that have become possible through constant innovation. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more powerful and efficient processors in the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in computing.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Is the Intel Core i7 3820QM still a viable option in 2023?
A: While the 3820QM is an older processor, it can still be a viable option for less demanding tasks like web browsing, basic productivity, and light gaming. However, for modern games and demanding applications, it will struggle to deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Q: What are some alternatives to the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: There are several alternatives to the 10900X, including newer models from Intel and AMD. For example, the Intel Core i9-12900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X offer comparable performance with lower power consumption.
Q: Can I upgrade the Intel Core i7 3820QM to a newer processor?
A: Upgrading the 3820QM to a newer processor is not possible. The processor is soldered onto the motherboard, making it a permanent component.
Q: What are the key differences between the Intel Core i7 3820QM and the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: The key differences lie in core count, architecture, performance, power consumption, and price. The 10900X offers significantly more cores, a more advanced architecture, higher performance, and a higher price tag compared to the 3820QM.
