CPU
GPU
Core i7-740QM
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
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. The Core i7-740QM is positioned at rank #1209 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-740QM
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-740QM | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($135) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-740QM | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3221%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($135) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-740QM 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 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 1.73 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-740QM 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 i7-740QM scores 1,842 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 168.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 4.6 GHz+57% |
| Base Clock | 1.73 GHz | 3.7 GHz+114% |
| 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 | 1,842 | 21,845+1086% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-740QM 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 i7-740QM versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Core i7-740QM supports 198.8% 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 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-740QM) 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 i7-740QM) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+33225% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 128 GB+1677721500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
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 i7-740QM) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-740QM launched at $378 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600X debuted at $299.
| Feature | Core i7-740QM | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $299-21% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $135 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2020 |
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