Core i7-2760QM vs Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-2760QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2760QM versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-2760QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2760QM scores 4,313 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 107.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2760QM vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

The Core i7-2760QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2760QM versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-2760QM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2760QM) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2760QM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2760QM) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2760QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.