Core i7-3720QM
Intel
PassMark
5,591
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.
Overview
The Core i7-3720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,591 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-3720QM across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Dota 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Hearts of Iron IV
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Minecraft
Naraka: Bladepoint
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i7-3720QM specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3720QM is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 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 5,591, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i7-3720QM |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.6 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 22 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 | 160 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,400 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 5 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 5,591 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3720QM fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Core i7-3720QM |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i7 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | PGA988 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i7-3720QM 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.
| Specification | Core i7-3720QM |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 45 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #1783 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i7-3720QM |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $378 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1783 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 29 April 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| 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
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core i7 |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $378 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 29 April 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1783 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 8 |
| Die Size | 160 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.6 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,400 million |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 105 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 45 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i7-3720QM
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Core i7-3720QM
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