CPU
GPU
Phenom II X3 B77
Core i7-740QM
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 Phenom II X3 B77 is positioned at rank 1057 and the Core i7-740QM is on rank 1209, 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 Phenom II X3 B77
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-740QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X3 B77 | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Heka (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X3 B77 | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+981%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ 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 Phenom II X3 B77 and Core i7-740QM
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Phenom II X3 B77 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Core i7-740QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B77 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 8.8% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 B77 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Phenom II X3 B77 uses the Heka (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X3 B77 scores 1,844 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.1% lead for the Phenom II X3 B77. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 B77 | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3 | 4 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+9% | 2.93 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+85% | 1.73 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core)+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Heka (2009−2010) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,844 | 1,842 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X3 B77 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 B77 versus 1333 on the Core i7-740QM — 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: 0 (Phenom II X3 B77) vs 16 (Core i7-740QM) — the Core i7-740QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM3 (Phenom II X3 B77) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM).
| Feature | Phenom II X3 B77 | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+419430300% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Phenom II X3 B77) / true (Core i7-740QM). Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 B77 | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Phenom II X3 B77 launched at $281 MSRP, while the Core i7-740QM debuted at $378.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 B77 | Core i7-740QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $281-26% | $378 |
| 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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