Core i7-3740QM vs Xeon D-1521

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 Xeon D-1521 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 Xeon D-1521: 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

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1.5 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon D-1521

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,703 vs 5,710).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Core i7-3740QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3740QM better than Xeon D-1521?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1521 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 1.7% 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 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1.5 MB).

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

Core i7-3740QM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3740QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon D-1521 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 1.7% in the shared gaming data.

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

Xeon D-1521 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3740QM vs Xeon D-1521 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon D-1521

The Xeon D-1521 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,703 points. Launch price was $199.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3740QM and Xeon D-1521 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3740QM versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1521 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3740QM (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-3740QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon D-1521 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3740QM scores 5,710 against the Xeon D-1521's 5,703 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3740QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3740QM vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1521.

Feature	Core i7-3740QM	Xeon D-1521
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+37%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+13%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+300%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	5,710	5,703

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3740QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1521 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.