A8-7100 vs Core i7-720QM
A8-7100
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 A8-7100 is positioned at rank 746 and the Core i7-720QM is on rank 1218, so the A8-7100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-7100
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-7100 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-7100 | 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 A8-7100 and Core i7-720QM
A8-7100
The A8-7100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $90.
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 A8-7100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-720QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-7100 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 6.9% clock advantage for the A8-7100 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A8-7100 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-7100 scores 1,647 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-720QM.
| Feature | A8-7100 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+7% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz+12% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 28 nm-38% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Kaveri (2014−2015) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,647 | 1,658 |
Memory & Platform
The A8-7100 uses the FP3 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 1600 on the A8-7100 versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the A8-7100 supports 18.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-7100 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FP3 (A8-7100) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM).
| Feature | A8-7100 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP3 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+20% | 1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16+100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The A8-7100 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 Graphics), while the Core i7-720QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-7100 rivals Core i3-4010U; Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | A8-7100 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon R5 Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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