A4-7210 vs Core i7-720QM
A4-7210
Core i7-720QM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A4-7210 is positioned at rank 737 and the Core i7-720QM is on rank 1218, so the A4-7210 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A4-7210
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A4-7210 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Carrizo-L (2015) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A4-7210 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A4-7210 and Core i7-720QM
A4-7210
The A4-7210 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo-L (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,670 points. Launch price was $50.
Core i7-720QM
The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.
Processing Power
The A4-7210 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-720QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the A4-7210 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A4-7210 uses the Carrizo-L (2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A4-7210 scores 1,670 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 0.7% lead for the A4-7210.
| Feature | A4-7210 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.8 GHz+27% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz+12% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2048 kB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 28 nm-38% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Carrizo-L (2015) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,670 | 1,658 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 208 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A4-7210 uses the FT3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the A4-7210 versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the Core i7-720QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-7210 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A4-7210) vs 2 (Core i7-720QM). PCIe lanes: 8 (A4-7210) vs 16 (Core i7-720QM) — the Core i7-720QM offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | A4-7210 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FT3 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 16+100% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-7210) vs true (Core i7-720QM). The A4-7210 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R3), while the Core i7-720QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-7210 targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-7210 rivals Pentium N3710; Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | A4-7210 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon R3 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Entry Laptop | — |
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