A4-7210 vs Core i7-720QM

A4-7210 vs Core i7-720QM Performance Spectrum

A4-7210

4 / 4

1,670

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-720QM

4 / 8

1,658

0.0%

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.

A4-7210 vs Core i7-720QM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A4-7210 vs Core i7-720QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A4-7210

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 45W, a 43W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R3, while Core i7-720QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,658 vs 1,670).
❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while A4-7210 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2150% higher power demand at 45W vs 2W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A4-7210 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-7210 better than Core i7-720QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-720QM is ahead with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A4-7210 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-7210 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A4-7210 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A4-7210 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $364 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. Core i7-720QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A4-7210 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-7210 vs Core i7-720QM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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	—

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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 A4-7210 supports 20% 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 GB — 100% 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+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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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.