Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6238

Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6238 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3720QM

4 / 8

5,591

0.0%

5,625

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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 i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6238 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 Opteron 6238: 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

✅Draws 45W instead of 115W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6238 across 34 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,591 vs 5,625).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6238, which brings 12 cores / 12 threads.

Opteron 6238

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.1% higher average FPS across 34 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $455 MSRP, while Core i7-3720QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌155.6% higher power demand at 115W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6238 better than Core i7-3720QM?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6238 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3720QM is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Opteron 6238 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.1% more average FPS across 34 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron 6238 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Opteron 6238 is the better buy right now. Opteron 6238 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $455 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.1% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3720QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6238 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.

Opteron 6238

The Opteron 6238 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,625 points. Launch price was $455.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6238 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6238 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3720QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3720QM (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-3720QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6238 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3720QM scores 5,591 against the Opteron 6238's 5,625 — a 0.6% lead for the Opteron 6238. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3720QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6238.

Feature	Core i7-3720QM	Opteron 6238
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	12 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (per module)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Interlagos (2011−2012)
PassMark	5,591	5,625

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6238 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.