Core i7-4720HQ vs Ryzen 3 3300U

Intel

Core i7-4720HQ

4 Cores8 Thrd1 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 3 3300U

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core i7-4720HQ vs Ryzen 3 3300U 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 i7-4720HQ vs Ryzen 3 3300U 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 i7-4720HQ vs Ryzen 3 3300U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4720HQ

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Draws 1W instead of 15W, a 14W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Ryzen 3 3300U

2019

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4720HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (5,686 vs 5,714).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
    • 1400% higher power demand at 15W vs 1W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i7-4720HQ better than Ryzen 3 3300U?
    Yes. Core i7-4720HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4720HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.0% 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 i7-4720HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i7-4720HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4720HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Ryzen 3 3300U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i7-4720HQ vs Ryzen 3 3300U Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    AMD

    Ryzen 3 3300U

    The Ryzen 3 3300U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,686 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Core i7-4720HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Ryzen 3 3300U's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4720HQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen 3 3300U — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4720HQ (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-4720HQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 3 3300U uses Picasso (2019−2022) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4720HQ scores 5,714 against the Ryzen 3 3300U's 5,686 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-4720HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i7-4720HQ vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 3300U.

    FeatureCore i7-4720HQRyzen 3 3300U
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 8
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.6 GHz+3%
    3.5 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.6 GHz+24%
    2.1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    6 MB+50%
    4 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1 MB
    512K (per core)+51100%
    Process
    22 nm
    12 nm-45%
    Architecture
    Haswell (2013−2015)
    Picasso (2019−2022)
    PassMark
    5,714
    5,686
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i7-4720HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 3 3300U uses FP5 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i7-4720HQRyzen 3 3300U
    Socket
    BGA1364
    FP5
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0