Core i7-3820 vs Core i7-4720HQ

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 i7-3820 vs Core i7-4720HQ 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 i7-3820 vs Core i7-4720HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3820

2012

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $286 MSRP, while Core i7-4720HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌12900% higher power demand at 130W vs 1W.

Core i7-4720HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 130W, a 129W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,714 vs 5,787).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 10 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3820 better than Core i7-4720HQ?

Yes. Core i7-3820 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3820 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i7-3820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-3820 is the better buy right now. Core i7-3820 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $286 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-4720HQ 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 i7-3820 vs Core i7-4720HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3820

The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.

Core i7-4720HQ

The Core i7-4720HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,714 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3820 and Core i7-4720HQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4720HQ — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-3820 uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4720HQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Core i7-4720HQ's 5,714 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-3820. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820 vs 6 MB on the Core i7-4720HQ.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Core i7-4720HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+6%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+38%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	10240 kB (total)+67%	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	5,787+1%	5,714
Geekbench 6 Single	624	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3820 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4720HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Core i7-4720HQ
Socket	LGA2011	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) / not specified (Core i7-4720HQ). Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.