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 i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $97 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 34.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.3 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,356 vs 2,600).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 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.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 14.3 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2720QM better than Core i3-8145UE?

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 and 10.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 10.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-2720QM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-2720QM comes in 34.5% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8145UE only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 12.0% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i3-8145UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8145UE vs Core i7-2720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8145UE

The Core i3-8145UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,021 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i3-8145UE 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-8145UE versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-8145UE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-8145UE uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-2720QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8145UE scores 4,021 against the Core i7-2720QM's 4,015 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-8145UE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,218 vs 700, a 54% lead for the Core i3-8145UE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,356 vs 2,600 (9.8% advantage for the Core i7-2720QM). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8145UE vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Core i3-8145UE	Core i7-2720QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+18%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,021	4,015
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,356	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,218+74%	700
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,356	2,600+10%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8145UE uses the FCBGA1528 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 i3-8145UE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2720QM — the Core i3-8145UE supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8145UE 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: Whiskey Lake (Core i3-8145UE) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2720QM).

Feature	Core i3-8145UE	Core i7-2720QM
Socket	FCBGA1528	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	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD 620 (Core i3-8145UE) 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 i3-8145UE targets Budget, Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8145UE rivals Ryzen 3 3200U; Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i3-8145UE	Core i7-2720QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD 620	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget	Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8145UE was priced at $281, while the Core i7-2720QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($281 vs $378), Core i3-8145UE was $97 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8145UE delivers 14.3 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2720QM — making the Core i3-8145UE the 29.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8145UE	Core i7-2720QM
MSRP	$281-26%	$378
Performance per Dollar	14.3+35%	10.6
Release Date	2018	2011

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