
Core i3-2377M vs Core i7-740QM

Core i3-2377M

Core i7-740QM
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 Core i3-2377M is positioned at rank 1151 and the Core i7-740QM is on rank 1209, so the Core i3-2377M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2377M
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-740QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2377M | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2377M | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+52%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
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 Core i3-2377M and Core i7-740QM

Core i3-2377M
The Core i3-2377M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,850 points. Launch price was $250.

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.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2377M 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 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-2377M versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 64.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-740QM (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2377M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2377M scores 1,850 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-2377M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2377M vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.
| Feature | Core i3-2377M | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.5 GHz | 2.93 GHz+95% |
| Base Clock | 1.5 GHz | 1.73 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,850 | 1,842 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 238 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 546 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2377M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2377M versus 1333 on the Core i7-740QM — the Core i7-740QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2377M supports up to 16 GB 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: FCBGA1023 (Core i3-2377M) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM).
| Feature | Core i3-2377M | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-2377M) vs true (Core i7-740QM). The Core i3-2377M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i3-2377M | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2377M launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i7-740QM debuted at $378.
| Feature | Core i3-2377M | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-34% | $378 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2010 |
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