Core i7-3740QM vs Opteron 6274

Intel

Core i7-3740QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Opteron 6274

16 Cores16 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······

Core i7-3740QM vs Opteron 6274 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 i7-3740QM vs Opteron 6274 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 i7-3740QM vs Opteron 6274: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3740QM

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6274, which brings 16 cores / 16 threads.

Opteron 6274

2011

Why buy it

  • +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 (5,643 vs 5,710).
  • Launch MSRP is still $639 MSRP, while Core i7-3740QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 155.6% higher power demand at 115W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3740QM better than Opteron 6274?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6274 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3740QM is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3740QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 i7-3740QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-3740QM is still the faster CPU overall, but Opteron 6274 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3740QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $639 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Opteron 6274 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3740QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 16/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3740QM vs Opteron 6274 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-3740QM

The Core i7-3740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 5,710 points. Launch price was $378.

AMD

Opteron 6274

The Opteron 6274 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 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8.00391 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,643 points. Launch price was $909.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3740QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6274 offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6274 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3740QM versus 3.1 GHz on the Opteron 6274 — a 17.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3740QM (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-3740QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6274 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3740QM scores 5,710 against the Opteron 6274's 5,643 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3740QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3740QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6274.

FeatureCore i7-3740QMOpteron 6274
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
16 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+19%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+23%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+3098%
8.00391 MB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Interlagos (2011−2012)
PassMark
5,710+1%
5,643
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3740QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6274 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3740QMOpteron 6274
Socket
PGA988
G34
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0