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 i3-7101TE vs Core i7-2720QM 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 i3-7101TE vs Core i7-2720QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7101TE

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $261 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 218.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.8 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,368 vs 2,600).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i7-2720QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2720QM better than Core i3-7101TE?

Yes. Core i7-2720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 9.8% better Geekbench multi-core, and 1.5% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2720QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.0% 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 i7-2720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 9.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i7-2720QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2720QM comes in 223.1% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-7101TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 218.3% better value on paper (33.8 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i3-7101TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7101TE vs Core i7-2720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7101TE

The Core i3-7101TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i7-2720QM

The Core i7-2720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,015 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7101TE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2720QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2720QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101TE (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-7101TE uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2720QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101TE scores 3,956 against the Core i7-2720QM's 4,015 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-2720QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,188 vs 700, a 51.7% lead for the Core i3-7101TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,368 vs 2,600 (9.3% advantage for the Core i7-2720QM). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i7-2720QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+3%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+55%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,956	4,015+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,188+70%	700
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,368	2,600+10%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101TE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2720QM — the Core i3-7101TE supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7101TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170,B250,H270,Z270 (Core i3-7101TE) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2720QM).

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i7-2720QM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7101TE) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101TE) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2720QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i7-2720QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Performance Laptop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7101TE was priced at $117, while the Core i7-2720QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($117 vs $378), Core i3-7101TE was $261 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7101TE delivers 33.8 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2720QM — making the Core i3-7101TE the 104.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i7-2720QM
MSRP	$117-69%	$378
Performance per Dollar	33.8+219%	10.6
Release Date	2017	2011

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