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.

Core i3-2105 vs Core i7-740QM 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.

Core i3-2105 vs Core i7-740QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2105

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $240 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 173.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.3 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-740QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-740QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,837 vs 1,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2105 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-740QM better than Core i3-2105?

Yes. Core i7-740QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-740QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-740QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-740QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-740QM comes in 173.9% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2105 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 173.2% better value on paper (13.3 vs 4.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i3-2105 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2105 vs Core i7-740QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2105

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

Core i7-740QM

The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2105 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-740QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2105 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2105 scores 1,837 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-740QM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2105 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i7-740QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+6%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+79%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,837	1,842

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2105 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i7-740QM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-2105) vs true (Core i7-740QM). The Core i3-2105 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i7-740QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2105 was priced at $138, while the Core i7-740QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($138 vs $378), Core i3-2105 was $240 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2105 delivers 13.3 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-740QM — making the Core i3-2105 the 92.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i7-740QM
MSRP	$138-63%	$378
Performance per Dollar	13.3+171%	4.9
Release Date	2011	2010

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