Core i7-3720QM vs Core i7-4710HQ

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 i7-3720QM vs Core i7-4710HQ 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 i7-3720QM vs Core i7-4710HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3720QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 47W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4710HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4710HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, 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 (5,549 vs 5,591).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3720QM better than Core i7-4710HQ?

Yes. Core i7-3720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% 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 5.5% 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 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3720QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-4710HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3720QM vs Core i7-4710HQ Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-4710HQ

The Core i7-4710HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,549 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3720QM and Core i7-4710HQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3720QM versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4710HQ — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3720QM (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-3720QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4710HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3720QM scores 5,591 against the Core i7-4710HQ's 5,549 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3720QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3720QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4710HQ.

Feature	Core i7-3720QM	Core i7-4710HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+4%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,591	5,549

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4710HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3720QM	Core i7-4710HQ
Socket	PGA988	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-3720QM) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4710HQ). The Core i7-4710HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-3720QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4710HQ targets Mobile.