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.

Overview

The Core i7-2710QE 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 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: 3,749 points. Launch price was $378.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2710QE

#78

Core 2 Quad Q9000

MSRP: $348|Avg: $15

114%

#79

Ryzen 5 230

MSRP: $200|Avg: $190

113%

#80

Celeron T3500

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

113%

#81

Pentium T4200

MSRP: $99|Avg: $10

113%

#82

A12-9720P

MSRP: $200|Avg: $25

112%

#83

Core i7-4702MQ

MSRP: $383|Avg: $50

111%

#84

Pentium 957

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

108%

#85

Core i7-3612QE

MSRP: $426|Avg: $50

105%

#86

Core 2 Solo SU3500

MSRP: $262|Avg: $15

104%

#87

Celeron 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

103%

#88

Core i3-1220P

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

103%

#89

3020e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

103%

#90

Pentium P6200

MSRP: $60|Avg: $25

102%

#91

Pentium T2330

MSRP: $150|Avg: $7

101%

#92

Celeron 560

MSRP: $89|Avg: $5

101%

#93

Core i7-2710QE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $40

100%

#94

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

98%

#95

Core i3-2310E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $20

98%

#96

A6-8500P

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16

96%

#97

Athlon Neo X2 L335

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

95%

#98

Core i7-4712MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $60

95%

#99

Celeron M 743

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

94%

#100

Pro A8-8600B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

94%

#101

Athlon X2 L310

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

93%

#102

Celeron M 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

93%

#103

Core Solo T1400

MSRP: $200|Avg: $5

91%

#104

Celeron Dual-Core T3500

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

91%

#105

Celeron 847

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

90%

#106

Core 2 Duo T9300

MSRP: $316|Avg: $20

89%

#107

Ryzen 9 5900HX

MSRP: $266|Avg: N/A

89%

#108

Core i5-3210M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-2710QE across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-2710QE specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2710QE is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,749, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 604.

Specification	Core i7-2710QE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	216 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,160 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,749
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	604

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2710QE fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-2710QE
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	20
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,QM67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-2710QE is primarily designed for Embedded/Industrial. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Embedded R-Series.

Specification	Core i7-2710QE
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Embedded/Industrial
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Embedded R-Series

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-2710QE has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

Specification	Core i7-2710QE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $378), the Core i7-2710QE delivers 94 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2061 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-2710QE
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$378
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$378
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2061
Release DateLaunch date	3 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i7
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$378
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	3 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2061

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	216 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	21
Max Frequency	3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.1 GHz
Transistor Count	1,160 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-