Core i3-4010U vs Core i7-720QM
Core i3-4010U
Core i7-720QM
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 i3-4010U is positioned at rank 179 and the Core i7-720QM is on rank 1218, so the Core i3-4010U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4010U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4010U | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4010U | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
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 i3-4010U and Core i7-720QM
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.
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 |
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 i7-720QM supports 199.1% 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 — 66.7% 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 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
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.
| Feature | Core i3-4010U | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4400 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-4010U and Core i7-720QM
