Core i7-720QM vs Phenom X4 9550

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom X4 9550 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-720QM

4 / 8

1,658

0.0%

1,667

+0.5%

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 X4 9550 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 X4 9550: 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

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅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 1,667).
❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while Phenom X4 9550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom X4 9550

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-720QM better than Phenom X4 9550?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-720QM is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X4 9550 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i7-720QM also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X4 9550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-720QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $364 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom X4 9550 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-720QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008) and 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom X4 9550 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 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.

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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

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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.