Core i7-2720QM vs FX-8100

CPU

GPU

Core i7-2720QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011

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FX-8100

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2011

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Core i7-2720QM vs FX-8100 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2720QM

4 / 8

4,015

0.0%

4,095

+2.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i7-2720QM vs FX-8100 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 i7-2720QM vs FX-8100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2720QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+60.4% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while FX-8100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

FX-8100

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $78 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.7 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,621 vs 2,600).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2720QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8100 better than Core i7-2720QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8100 is ahead with a 4.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2720QM pulls ahead with 60.4% better Geekbench multi-core. FX-8100 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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 60.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

FX-8100 is the better buy right now. FX-8100 comes in $78 cheaper on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-2720QM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 60.4% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 28.5% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-8100 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-2720QM vs FX-8100 Technical Specifications

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

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.

FX-8100

The FX-8100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,095 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8100 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8100 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM versus 3.7 GHz on the FX-8100 — a 11.4% clock advantage for the FX-8100 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-2720QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-8100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2720QM scores 4,015 against the FX-8100's 4,095 — a 2% lead for the FX-8100. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 700 vs 455, a 42.4% lead for the Core i7-2720QM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,600 vs 1,621 (46.4% advantage for the Core i7-2720QM). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-8100.

Feature	Core i7-2720QM	FX-8100
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+3100%	8 MB
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	4,015	4,095+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	700+54%	455
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,600+60%	1,621

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-8100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2720QM versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8100 — the FX-8100 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-2720QM supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2720QM) vs 0 (FX-8100) — the Core i7-2720QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2720QM) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8100).

Feature	Core i7-2720QM	FX-8100
Socket	PGA988	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the FX-8100 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM) vs AMD-V (FX-8100). The Core i7-2720QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-8100 requires 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	FX-8100
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Performance Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2720QM was priced at $378, while the FX-8100 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($378 vs $300), FX-8100 was $78 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2720QM delivers 10.6 pts/$ vs 13.7 pts/$ for the FX-8100 — making the FX-8100 the 25% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2720QM	FX-8100
MSRP	$378	$300-21%
Performance per Dollar	10.6	13.7+29%
Release Date	2011	2011

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