CPU Comparison
Core i7-720QM vs Core i7-740QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-720QM is a high-end mobile quad-core processor launched in September 2009. Based on the Clarksfield architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.6 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.8 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it brought Nehalem architecture to gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Multi-threading helps, but low base clock hurts responsiveness.
8 threads help with multitasking.
Gaming
Can run older games well but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Handles older games well but lacks modern single-core speed.
Virtualization
8 threads make it decent for legacy VMs.
Capable of running legacy VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
45W TDP on 45nm is hot and inefficient.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Supports DDR3-1333
- Turbo Boost technology
Cons
- Very high power consumption (45W)
- Low 1.6 GHz base clock
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
Pros
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Good turbo boost (2.93 GHz)
- Supports DDR3-1333
Cons
- High power consumption (45W)
- Low base clock (1.73 GHz)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-720QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative with vastly better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Phenom II N930Alt
AMD quad-core alternative without turbo boost.
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000Alt
Older generation alternative.
Core i7-740QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N930Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-840QMAlt
Higher tier with 8MB cache.
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000Alt
Older generation alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 4 cores and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry by modern standards.
Best for: Retro gaming laptop repair
Read the full reviewA solid mobile quad-core for 2010, offering good multi-threaded performance, but heavily outdated and inefficient by modern standards.
Best for: Upgrading a legacy Socket G1 laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-720QM or Core i7-740QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-740QM leads with a gaming performance score of 32/100 among Core i7-720QM and Core i7-740QM.
Do Core i7-720QM and Core i7-740QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G1 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.