Intel Core i7-820QM socket: Socket G1
The Intel Core i7-820QM uses the Socket G1 socket. It is a 45 W quad core Clarksfield mobile part at 1.733 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.067 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- Socket G1
- Launched
- September 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 45 W
- Codename
- Clarksfield
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 1.73 / 3.07 GHz
Intel Core i7-820QM specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Clarksfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 1.733 GHz base, 3.067 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None (discrete graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket G1 (PGA988, 988 pins) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-820QM needs a motherboard with a Socket G1 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket G1 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket G1 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 988 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core i7-820QM is
The Intel Core i7-820QM is a quad core Clarksfield mobile processor from September 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 1.733 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.067 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 45 W on a 45 nm process.
The 820QM sits between the 720QM and 840QM with 8 MB of cache. Notebook benchmarks track it near the 920XM in multi core rendering. Against the 740QM it adds cache at the same 45 W.
There is no graphics on Clarksfield. Display comes from discrete mobile graphics with DDR3 memory.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-820QM fits Socket G1 with 988 pins. PM55, HM55, QM57 and HM57 boards boot it directly with a late 2009 BIOS.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i5-480M page shows a dual core alternative on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 8 GB.
PCIe Gen 2 x16 comes from the CPU package.
Cooling uses a strong vendor heat pipe assembly rated for 45 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G1 the upgrade is the 840QM or 940XM Extreme on the same board. Beyond Socket G1 a move to Sandy Bridge quad needs a new notebook.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-820QM use?
Socket G1, the 988-pin package on PM55, HM55, QM57 and HM57 boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-820QM have?
Four cores and eight threads at 1.733 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.067 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i7-820QM?
DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 8 GB.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .