CPU
GPU
Core i7-720QM
Phenom X4 9550
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 Phenom X4 9550 is on rank 382, so the Phenom X4 9550 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 Phenom X4 9550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-720QM | Phenom X4 9550 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-720QM | Phenom X4 9550 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Phenom X4 9550
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 X4 9550
The Phenom X4 9550 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,667 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Phenom X4 9550's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9550 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM. The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom X4 9550 uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the Phenom X4 9550's 1,667 — a 0.5% lead for the Phenom X4 9550. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9550.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Phenom X4 9550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+27% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+200% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,658 | 1,667 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9550 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Phenom X4 9550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-720QM) / not specified (Phenom X4 9550). Direct competitor: Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-720QM | Phenom X4 9550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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