Core i7-740QM vs Pentium M 765

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 i7-740QM vs Pentium M 765 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 i7-740QM vs Pentium M 765: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Pentium M 765 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌114.3% higher power demand at 45W vs 21W.

Pentium M 765

2004

Why buy it

✅Draws 21W instead of 45W, a 24W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,834 vs 1,842).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-740QM better than Pentium M 765?

Yes. Core i7-740QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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, Core i7-740QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-740QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-740QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-740QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-740QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2004) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-740QM vs Pentium M 765 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium M 765

The Pentium M 765 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,834 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-740QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium M 765 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM versus 2.1 GHz on the Pentium M 765 — a 33% clock advantage for the Core i7-740QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-740QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium M 765 uses Dothan (2004−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-740QM scores 1,842 against the Pentium M 765's 1,834 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-740QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM vs 0 kB on the Pentium M 765.

Feature	Core i7-740QM	Pentium M 765
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+300%	1 / 1
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+40%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	1.73 GHz	2.1 GHz+21%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	45 nm-50%	90 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Dothan (2004−2005)
PassMark	1,842	1,834

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-740QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium M 765 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-740QM versus DDR2-533 on the Pentium M 765 — the Core i7-740QM supports 150.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-740QM supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM) and 915GM,945GT (Pentium M 765).

Feature	Core i7-740QM	Pentium M 765
Socket	PGA988	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1333+150%	DDR2-533
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB+100%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-740QM) vs false (Pentium M 765). Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.