Core i5-5675R vs Core i7-3720QM

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 i5-5675R vs Core i7-3720QM 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 i5-5675R vs Core i7-3720QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-5675R

2015

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 6200, while Core i7-3720QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3720QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,564 vs 5,591).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $339 MSRP, while Core i7-3720QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-3720QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-5675R can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3720QM better than Core i5-5675R?

Yes. Core i7-3720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3720QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.5% 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 i7-3720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, 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 i7-3720QM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $339 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-5675R 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 13.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i5-5675R makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-5675R vs Core i7-3720QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5675R

The Core i5-5675R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 May 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,564 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-3720QM

The Core i7-3720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,591 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-5675R packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3720QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-5675R versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3720QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-5675R uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3720QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5675R scores 5,564 against the Core i7-3720QM's 5,591 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3720QM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-5675R vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3720QM.

Feature	Core i5-5675R	Core i7-3720QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+19%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,564	5,591
Geekbench 6 Single	1,157	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5675R uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-5675R	Core i7-3720QM
Socket	BGA1364	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-5675R) / not specified (Core i7-3720QM). The Core i5-5675R includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 6200), while the Core i7-3720QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5675R targets All-in-One Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-5675R rivals A10-7890K.