Core i3-4010U vs Core i7-720QM

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 i3-4010U 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.

Core i3-4010U 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.

Core i3-4010U

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Core i7-720QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,658 vs 1,660).
❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while Core i3-4010U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4010U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-720QM better than Core i3-4010U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-720QM is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4010U pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-720QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4010U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-720QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $364 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-4010U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4010U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4010U vs Core i7-720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4010U

The Core i3-4010U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 points. Launch price was $281.

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 Core i3-4010U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-720QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-720QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the Core i3-4010U versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 48.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM (base: 1.7 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-4010U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4010U scores 1,660 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-4010U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4010U vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM.

Feature	Core i3-4010U	Core i7-720QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	1.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+65%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz+6%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,660	1,658

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4010U uses the FCBGA1168 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 DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4010U versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the Core i3-4010U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4010U 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. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4010U) vs 16 (Core i7-720QM) — the Core i7-720QM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-4010U	Core i7-720QM
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4010U) vs true (Core i7-720QM). The Core i3-4010U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i7-720QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4010U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.