CPU
GPU
Core i7-3720QM
Opteron 6238
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 i7-3720QM is positioned at rank 50 and the Opteron 6238 is on rank 61, so the Core i7-3720QM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3720QM
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6238
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3720QM | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($118) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3720QM | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($118) |
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 i7-3720QM and Opteron 6238
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.
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) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 5,591 | 5,625 |
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.
| Feature | Core i7-3720QM | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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