Core i5-3340S vs Core i7-2720QM

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 i5-3340S 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 i5-3340S 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 i5-3340S

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $196 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 105.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.8 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,962 vs 4,015).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2720QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2720QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-3340S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2720QM better than Core i5-3340S?

Yes. Core i7-2720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better 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 9.4% 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 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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 107.7% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3340S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 105.0% better value on paper (21.8 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-3340S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3340S vs Core i7-2720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3340S

The Core i5-3340S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2013 (12 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,962 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 i5-3340S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2720QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3340S versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-2720QM is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3340S scores 3,962 against the Core i7-2720QM's 4,015 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-2720QM. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-3340S vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Core i5-3340S	Core i7-2720QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+27%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,962	4,015+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	700
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3340S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3340S	Core i7-2720QM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3340S) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM). The Core i7-2720QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-3340S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i5-3340S	Core i7-2720QM
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3340S was priced at $182, while the Core i7-2720QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($182 vs $378), Core i5-3340S was $196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3340S delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2720QM — making the Core i5-3340S the 68.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3340S	Core i7-2720QM
MSRP	$182-52%	$378
Performance per Dollar	21.8+106%	10.6
Release Date	2013	2011

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