Core i5-4220Y vs Core i7-720QM

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 i5-4220Y vs Core i7-720QM 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 i5-4220Y vs Core i7-720QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4220Y

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,652 vs 1,658).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while Core i5-4220Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-720QM better than Core i5-4220Y?

Yes. Core i7-720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-720QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 i7-720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, 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 i7-720QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $364 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4220Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4220Y vs Core i7-720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4220Y

The Core i5-4220Y 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,652 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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4220Y 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 2 GHz on the Core i5-4220Y versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i5-4220Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4220Y scores 1,652 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-720QM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4220Y vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM.

Feature	Core i5-4220Y	Core i7-720QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.8 GHz+40%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,652	1,658

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4220Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.