Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X3 B73

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X3 B73 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-720QM

4 / 8

1,658

0.0%

1,671

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i7-720QM vs Phenom II X3 B73 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 i7-720QM vs Phenom II X3 B73: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,658 vs 1,671).
❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while Phenom II X3 B73 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X3 B73

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 B73 better than Core i7-720QM?

Yes. Phenom II X3 B73 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 B73 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom II X3 B73 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X3 B73 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $364 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-720QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Phenom II X3 B73 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X3 B73 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Phenom II X3 B73

The Phenom II X3 B73 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,671 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Phenom II X3 B73 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Core i7-720QM has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B73 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X3 B73 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the Phenom II X3 B73's 1,671 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom II X3 B73. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Phenom II X3 B73
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+33%	3 / 3
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.8 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,658	1,671

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X3 B73 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.