CPU
GPU
Core i7-720QM
A4-7210
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-720QM is positioned at rank 1218 and the A4-7210 is on rank 737, so the A4-7210 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-720QM
Performance Per Dollar A4-7210
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-720QM | A4-7210 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Carrizo-L (2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-720QM | A4-7210 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-720QM and A4-7210
Core i7-720QM
The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.
A4-7210
The A4-7210 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo-L (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,670 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the A4-7210's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 2.2 GHz on the A4-7210 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the A4-7210 uses Carrizo-L (2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the A4-7210's 1,670 — a 0.7% lead for the A4-7210.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | A4-7210 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+27% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 1.8 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2048 kB+700% |
| Process | 45 nm | 28 nm-38% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Carrizo-L (2015) |
| PassMark | 1,658 | 1,670 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 208 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A4-7210 uses FT3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-720QM versus DDR3L-1600 on the A4-7210 — the Core i7-720QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A4-7210 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-720QM) vs 1 (A4-7210). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-720QM) vs 8 (A4-7210) — the Core i7-720QM offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | A4-7210 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FT3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-720QM) vs AMD-V (A4-7210). The A4-7210 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R3), while the Core i7-720QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-7210 targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000; A4-7210 rivals Pentium N3710.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | A4-7210 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon R3 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Entry Laptop |
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