CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-2760QM vs Intel Core i7-3720QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2760QM is a high-performance mobile processor released in late 2011 as a refresh to the 2720QM. Built on the Sandy Bridge architecture, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering excellent multitasking capabilities for premium laptops. Operating at a 2.4 GHz base clock with a 3.5 GHz turbo boost, it offered a noticeable speed increase over its predecessor. The 32nm chip integrated 1,160 million transistors and a 6MB L3 cache. Utilizing the Socket G2 (988B) interface, it allowed for upgradability in certain laptop models. With a 45W TDP, it was designed for performance laptops and mobile workstations. It included Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics for everyday multimedia. While locked for overclocking, the i7-2760QM supported AVX, AES-NI, and VT-d, making it a highly capable solution for professional portable systems requiring robust computational power and virtualization support.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for basic office work but slow for heavy web apps.
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
VT-d support makes it decent for legacy VMs.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
45W TDP is high, leading to poor battery life.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for AI workloads
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Good for 2011 games
- Lacks AVX2 for modern titles
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good multi-threaded performance for 2011
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- High turbo boost clock up to 3.5 GHz
- Socketed design allows replacement
Cons
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Integrated graphics are obsolete
- Lacks AVX2 support
- End-of-life and unsupported
Pros
- Good quad-core performance
- High 3.6 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-2760QM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2670QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2720QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N950Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
Dual-core alternative for lighter laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium Silver N5000Alt
Modern low-power alternative.
Intel Core i7-3720QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3740QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A premium mobile CPU that offered excellent clocks and VT-d support, now obsolete.
Best for: The Core i7-2760QM is an obsolete processor that should not be sought out for new purchases. However, if you already own a laptop with this chip, it remains viable for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback. Its VT-d support makes it interesting for legacy virtualization projects, provided the laptop has enough RAM. If your laptop still functions, adding an SSD and maxing out the RAM can breathe new life into it. For any new computing needs, modern laptops offer vastly superior performance, battery life, and features. The i7-2760QM is best left as a component in functioning legacy devices rather than a target for upgrades.
Read the full reviewA high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and high clock speeds for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-2760QM or Intel Core i7-3720QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-2760QM comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-2760QM or Intel Core i7-3720QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3720QM leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i7-2760QM and Intel Core i7-3720QM.
Do Intel Core i7-2760QM and Intel Core i7-3720QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-2760QM: Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-3720QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3720QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-2760QM (4,300), Intel Core i7-3720QM (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.