CPU
GPU
Core i7-720QM
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
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 Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is on rank 1088, so the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 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 Athlon 64 X2 5600+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-720QM | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-720QM | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2337%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Athlon 64 X2 5600+
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.
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,665 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-720QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 2.9 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+. The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses Windsor (2006−2007) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the Athlon 64 X2 5600+'s 1,665 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 2.9 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K+100% |
| Process | 45 nm-50% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,658 | 1,665 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses AM2 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-720QM versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ — the Core i7-720QM supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-720QM) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+) — the Core i7-720QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+).
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-720QM) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 5600+). Direct competitor: Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-720QM launched at $364 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ debuted at $505.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $364-28% | $505 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $15 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2006 |
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