CPU
GPU
Opteron 6234
Core i7-2720QM
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 Opteron 6234 is positioned at rank 85 and the Core i7-2720QM is on rank 1062, so the Opteron 6234 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6234
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6234 | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($141) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6234 | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+172%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($141) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
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 Opteron 6234 and Core i7-2720QM
Opteron 6234
The Opteron 6234 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,072 points. Launch price was $377.
Core i7-2720QM
The Core i7-2720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,015 points. Launch price was $378.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6234 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-2720QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6234 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Opteron 6234 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-2720QM — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-2720QM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Opteron 6234 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2720QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6234 scores 4,072 against the Core i7-2720QM's 4,015 — a 1.4% lead for the Opteron 6234. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6234 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2720QM.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12+200% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+9% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,072+1% | 4,015 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6234 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Opteron 6234) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2720QM). The Core i7-2720QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Opteron 6234 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2720QM targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2720QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Performance Laptop |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6234 launched at $377 MSRP, while the Core i7-2720QM debuted at $378.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i7-2720QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $377 | $378 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $141 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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