CPU
GPU
Core i7-740QM
Phenom II X3 B77
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 Phenom II X3 B77 is on rank 1057, so the Phenom II X3 B77 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 Phenom II X3 B77
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-740QM | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Heka (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-740QM | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+981%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
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 Phenom II X3 B77
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.
Phenom II X3 B77
The Phenom II X3 B77 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,844 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-740QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Phenom II X3 B77 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B77 — a 8.8% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 B77 (base: 1.73 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-740QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-740QM scores 1,842 against the Phenom II X3 B77's 1,844 — a 0.1% lead for the Phenom II X3 B77. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+33% | 3 / 3 |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.2 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 3.2 GHz+85% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Heka (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,842 | 1,844 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-740QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses AM3 (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 Phenom II X3 B77 — the Core i7-740QM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Phenom II X3 B77 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-740QM) vs 0 (Phenom II X3 B77) — the Core i7-740QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM) and AM3 (Phenom II X3 B77).
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM3 |
| 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 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-740QM) / not specified (Phenom II X3 B77). Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-740QM launched at $378 MSRP, while the Phenom II X3 B77 debuted at $281.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $281-26% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $35 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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