Core i3-4030U vs Core i7-2677M

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 i3-4030U vs Core i7-2677M 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 i3-4030U vs Core i7-2677M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4030U

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core i7-2677M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2911.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2677M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2677M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 512W, a 495W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-4030U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,875 vs 1,876).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4030U better than Core i7-2677M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2677M is ahead with a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4030U pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-2677M also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4030U 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 i3-4030U is the better buy right now. Core i3-4030U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2677M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4030U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4030U vs Core i7-2677M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4030U

The Core i3-4030U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-2677M

The Core i7-2677M 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,875 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4030U and Core i7-2677M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4030U versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2677M — a 41.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-2677M (base: 1.9 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-4030U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2677M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4030U scores 1,876 against the Core i7-2677M's 1,875 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-4030U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4030U vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2677M.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Core i7-2677M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2.9 GHz+53%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz+6%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,876	1,875
Geekbench 6 Single	—	562

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4030U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2677M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Core i7-2677M
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	8 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-4030U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2677M). The Core i7-2677M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-4030U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2677M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-2677M rivals A6-3420M.