Core i7-720QM vs Ryzen 5 5600X

CPU

GPU

Core i7-720QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Ryzen family

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Core i7-720QM vs Ryzen 5 5600X Performance Spectrum

Core i7-720QM

4 / 8

1,658

0.0%

21,845

+1217.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 Ryzen 5 5600X 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 Ryzen 5 5600X: 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 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600X across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,658 vs 21,845).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($364 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +417.2% higher average FPS across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $65 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $364 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1504.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $364 MSRP).
✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600X better than Core i7-720QM?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 417.2% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1217.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 5600X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 417.2% more average FPS across 29 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 5 5600X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1217.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Ryzen 5 5600X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600X comes in $65 cheaper on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $364 MSRP, and it still gives you a 417.2% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1504.0% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 4.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Ryzen 5 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2009), 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-720QM vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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.

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 48.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 171.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	4.6 GHz+64%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+131%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	32 MB+433%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	45 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-84%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	1,658	21,845+1218%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-720QM versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-720QM) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Ryzen 5 5600X
Socket	PGA988	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed	1333	DDR4-3200+140%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-720QM) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	AMD-V
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-720QM was priced at $364, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($364 vs $299), Ryzen 5 5600X was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-720QM delivers 4.6 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 176.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP	$364	$299-18%
Performance per Dollar	4.6	73.1+1489%
Release Date	2009	2020

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