CPU
GPU
Core i7-740QM
Core i3-2105
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 i7-740QM is positioned at rank 1209 and the Core i3-2105 is on rank 935, so the Core i3-2105 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-740QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2105
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-740QM | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-740QM | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1157%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i7-740QM and Core i3-2105
Core i7-740QM
The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.
Core i3-2105
The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.
Processing Power
The Core i7-740QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-2105 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105 (base: 1.73 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-740QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2105 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-740QM scores 1,842 against the Core i3-2105's 1,837 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-740QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2105.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.1 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 3.1 GHz+79% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+100% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,842 | 1,837 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-740QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2105 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-740QM versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2105 — the Core i7-740QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 32 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-740QM) vs VT-x (Core i3-2105). The Core i3-2105 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-740QM launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i3-2105 debuted at $138.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Core i3-2105 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $138-63% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $30 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-740QM and Core i3-2105
