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 i5-4590T 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 i5-4590T 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 i5-4590T

2014

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $186 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 99.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.2 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2720QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i7-2720QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,015 vs 4,064).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 21.2 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590T better than Core i7-2720QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2720QM is ahead with a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4590T pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4590T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4590T is the better buy right now. Core i5-4590T comes in $186 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2720QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 99.3% better value on MSRP (21.2 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590T 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 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4590T vs Core i7-2720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590T

The Core i5-4590T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,064 points. Launch price was $192.

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 i5-4590T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2720QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-4590T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-2720QM (base: 2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-4590T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2720QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590T scores 4,064 against the Core i7-2720QM's 4,015 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-4590T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 917 vs 700, a 26.8% lead for the Core i5-4590T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Core i7-2720QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.2 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,064+1%	4,015
Geekbench 6 Single	917+31%	700
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B85,Q85,H81,Q87,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590T) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2720QM).

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Core i7-2720QM
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590T) 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 i5-4590T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590T rivals A8-7600; Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Core i7-2720QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590T was priced at $192, while the Core i7-2720QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($192 vs $378), Core i5-4590T was $186 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590T delivers 21.2 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2720QM — making the Core i5-4590T the 66.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Core i7-2720QM
MSRP	$192-49%	$378
Performance per Dollar	21.2+100%	10.6
Release Date	2014	2011

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