Intel Core i5-3340 vs Intel Core i7-3820QM

The Intel Core i5-3340 is a desktop processor of the Ivy Bridge S architecture, which was launched in the third quarter of 2013.

It is aimed at the mainstream desktop market for general office tasks and light multimedia applications. The Intel Core i7-3820QM is a mobile processor of the Ivy Bridge H architecture, which was introduced in the second quarter of 2012.

It was developed for high-performance laptops and mobile workstations that need to handle more demanding tasks. Both CPUs are manufactured using the 22 nm fabrication process. The Intel Core i5-3340 has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Intel Core i7-3820QM is equipped with 4 cores and 8 threads through Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, which enables better parallel processing.

The Intel Core i5-3340 has 6 MB of L3 cache, and the Intel Core i7-3820QM has 8 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core i5-3340 supports PCIe Version 3.0 with a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s, while the Intel Core i7-3820QM has a memory bandwidth of 21 GB/s. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i7-3820QM shows higher performance in certain benchmarks.

In multi-core performance, the Intel Core i7-3820QM significantly surpasses the Intel Core i5-3340 due to its additional threads and larger L3 cache. This makes it better suited for applications that benefit from parallel processing. For gaming, a dedicated graphics card is crucial, as the integrated graphics units Intel HD Graphics 2500 (i5) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (i7) are only designed for basic requirements, with the HD Graphics 4000 offering slightly better performance.

Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i5-3340 has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65W, while the Intel Core i7-3820QM has a TDP of 45W. Despite its higher performance, the mobile processor is more energy-efficient. Both processors are older models whose market prices mainly depend on the used market and are generally very affordable.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-3340 provides a solid foundation for everyday desktop tasks. The Intel Core i7-3820QM impresses with stronger multi-core performance and energy efficiency for more demanding mobile applications. For a simple desktop PC, the Intel Core i5-3340 is sufficient.

For a more powerful mobile system or multitasking, the Intel Core i7-3820QM is the better choice.