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 i7-2720QM 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.

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 i7-2720QM

#308

C-30

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

126%

#309

Core i5-4300M

MSRP: $227|Avg: N/A

123%

#310

Celeron 1005M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

122%

#311

Celeron J1850

MSRP: $82|Avg: N/A

119%

#312

Core i5-4200M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

118%

#313

Pentium Dual Core T4300

MSRP: $150|Avg: $99

117%

#314

Celeron 1000M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

117%

#315

Core i7-3612QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

116%

#316

Core i7-8665UE

MSRP: $409|Avg: $409

112%

#317

Celeron N3060

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

111%

#318

Core i5-3320M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

111%

#319

Processor N50

MSRP: $128|Avg: $120

105%

#320

Core i7-4910MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $570

104%

#321

Pentium J2850

MSRP: $94|Avg: $94

102%

#322

Celeron P4505

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

100%

#323

Core i7-2720QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

100%

#324

Pentium 2020M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

99%

#325

Athlon II N350

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

98%

#326

Pentium 2030M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

98%

#327

Celeron N3350

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

98%

#328

Core i7-2675QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

97%

#329

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

96%

#330

Core i5-2520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#331

Core m3-7Y32

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#332

Core i3-1115GRE

MSRP: $338|Avg: $480

90%

#333

Core i7-2630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

88%

#334

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

88%

#335

Core i7-2635QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

88%

#336

Core i5-3337U

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

88%

#337

Core i5-2450M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

87%

#338

Core i5-7Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-2720QM across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-2720QM specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2720QM 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 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 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 4,015, 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 700, while multi-core reaches 2,600.

Specification	Core i7-2720QM
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 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	4,015
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	700
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	2,600

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2720QM fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 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 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-2720QM
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	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,HM67,QM67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-2720QM is primarily designed for Performance Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD A8-3510MX.

Specification	Core i7-2720QM
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Performance Laptop
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
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD A8-3510MX

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-2720QM 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: Laptop Cooling.

Specification	Core i7-2720QM
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	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Cooling

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $378, the Core i7-2720QM delivers 11 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2012 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-2720QM
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$378
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$378
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2012
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