Core i3-2365M vs Core i7-740QM

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 i3-2365M 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 i3-2365M 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 i3-2365M

2011

Why buy it

✅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 (1,826 vs 1,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i3-2365M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2365M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-740QM better than Core i3-2365M?

Yes. Core i7-740QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% 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 3.7% 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 0.9% 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 the better buy right now. Core i7-740QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2365M 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 i3-2365M vs Core i7-740QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2365M

The Core i3-2365M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,826 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i3-2365M 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 1.4 GHz on the Core i3-2365M versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 70.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-740QM (base: 1.4 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2365M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2365M scores 1,826 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-740QM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-2365M vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.

Feature	Core i3-2365M	Core i7-740QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	2.93 GHz+109%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	1.73 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,826	1,842
Geekbench 6 Single	235	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2365M uses the BGA1023 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 i3-2365M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,HM75,HM76,HM77 (Core i3-2365M) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM).

Feature	Core i3-2365M	Core i7-740QM
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	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, EPT (Core i3-2365M) vs true (Core i7-740QM). The Core i3-2365M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2365M targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2365M rivals Pentium 987; Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.