Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6376

Intel

Core i7-3720QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 6376

16 Cores16 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6376 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 6376 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 6376: 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

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 45W instead of 115W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6376 across 20 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6376, which brings 16 cores / 16 threads.

Opteron 6376

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 20 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,572 vs 5,591).
  • Launch MSRP is still $703 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 Core i7-3720QM better than Opteron 6376?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6376 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, Core i7-3720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-3720QM is still the faster CPU overall, but Opteron 6376 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $703 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Opteron 6376 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.5% average FPS lead across 20 shared CPU game tests in our data. Opteron 6376 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron 6376 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-3720QM vs Opteron 6376 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 6376

The Opteron 6376 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,572 points. Launch price was $750.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6376 offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6376 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3720QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6376 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3720QM (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-3720QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6376 uses Abu Dhabi (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3720QM scores 5,591 against the Opteron 6376's 5,572 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3720QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3720QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6376.

FeatureCore i7-3720QMOpteron 6376
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
16 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+12%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+13%
2.3 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
5,572
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6376 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3720QMOpteron 6376
Socket
PGA988
G34
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0