Core i7-7Y75 vs Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)

Intel

Core i7-7Y75

2 Cores4 Thrd4.5 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2016
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)

4 Cores4 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Core i7-7Y75 vs Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) Performance Spectrum

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 i7-7Y75 vs Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) 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 i7-7Y75 vs Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W): Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7Y75

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 5W instead of 125W, a 121W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,534 vs 2,544).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $393 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 2677.8% higher power demand at 125W vs 4.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7Y75 better than Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-7Y75 is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-7Y75 is the better buy right now. Core i7-7Y75 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $393 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7Y75 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7Y75 vs Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-7Y75

The Core i7-7Y75 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,534 points. Launch price was $393.

AMD

Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)

The Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,544 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-7Y75 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-7Y75 versus 3.4 GHz on the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-7Y75 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-7Y75 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7Y75 scores 2,534 against the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)'s 2,544 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W). L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-7Y75 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W).

FeatureCore i7-7Y75Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+6%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
1.3 GHz
3.4 GHz+162%
L3 Cache
4 MB
6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
512 kB
512 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,534
2,544
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7Y75 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-7Y75Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)
Socket
FCBGA1515
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0