CPU
GPU
Core i7-2720QM
Core i3-7101TE
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-2720QM is positioned at rank 1062 and the Core i3-7101TE is on rank 552, so the Core i3-7101TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2720QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7101TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2720QM | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2720QM | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+521%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-2720QM and Core i3-7101TE
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.
Core i3-7101TE
The Core i3-7101TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-7101TE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-2720QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101TE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-2720QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7101TE uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2720QM scores 4,015 against the Core i3-7101TE's 3,956 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-2720QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 700 vs 1,188, a 51.7% lead for the Core i3-7101TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,600 vs 2,368 (9.3% advantage for the Core i7-2720QM). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE.
| Feature | Core i7-2720QM | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.4 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+100% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,015+1% | 3,956 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 700 | 1,188+70% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,600+10% | 2,368 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7101TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2720QM versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101TE — the Core i3-7101TE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7101TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2720QM) and H110,B150,H170,Z170,B250,H270,Z270 (Core i3-7101TE).
| Feature | Core i7-2720QM | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM) vs Yes (Core i3-7101TE). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2720QM) and Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.
| Feature | Core i7-2720QM | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Performance Laptop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2720QM launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i3-7101TE debuted at $117.
| Feature | Core i7-2720QM | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $117-69% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $60 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2017 |
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