Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6366 HE

Intel

Core i7-3720QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 6366 HE

16 Cores16 Thrd85 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6366 HE Performance Spectrum

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 6366 HE 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 6366 HE: 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 85W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,591 vs 5,613).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6366 HE, which brings 16 cores / 16 threads.

Opteron 6366 HE

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

  • 88.9% higher power demand at 85W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6366 HE better than Core i7-3720QM?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6366 HE 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron 6366 HE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 16 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 6366 HE still makes the most sense overall. Opteron 6366 HE comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron 6366 HE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6366 HE Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Opteron 6366 HE

The Opteron 6366 HE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,613 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6366 HE offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6366 HE has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3720QM versus 3.1 GHz on the Opteron 6366 HE — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3720QM (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-3720QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6366 HE uses Abu Dhabi (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3720QM scores 5,591 against the Opteron 6366 HE's 5,613 — a 0.4% lead for the Opteron 6366 HE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3720QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6366 HE.

FeatureCore i7-3720QMOpteron 6366 HE
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
16 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+16%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+44%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+1500%
16 MB
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Abu Dhabi (2012)
PassMark
5,591
5,613
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6366 HE uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3720QMOpteron 6366 HE
Socket
PGA988
G34
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0