A8-7100 vs Core i7-720QM

A8-7100 vs Core i7-720QM Performance Spectrum

A8-7100

4 / 4

1,647

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-720QM

4 / 8

1,658

+0.7%

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.

A8-7100 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.

A8-7100 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.

A8-7100

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 45W, a 41W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5 Graphics, while Core i7-720QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,647 vs 1,658).

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while A8-7100 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1025% higher power demand at 45W vs 4W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-7100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-7100 better than Core i7-720QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-7100 is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-720QM 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, Core i7-720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

A8-7100 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-7100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $364 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-720QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

A8-7100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-7100 vs Core i7-720QM Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-7100 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 100% 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	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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.