CPU Comparison
Core i7-2860QM (BGA) vs Intel Core i7-3720QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2860QM BGA 1224 variant offers the same top-tier Sandy Bridge mobile performance but in a soldered form factor. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it operates at a base clock of 2.5 GHz and boosts up to 3.6 GHz. This processor was designed for premium, thin-and-light laptops where space was at a premium, and the CPU could not be socketed. The 32nm die houses 8MB of L3 cache, providing excellent performance for 2011-era applications. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and features Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics. The 45W TDP is relatively high for thin laptops, meaning it was usually paired with aggressive cooling solutions. Although long discontinued, the i7-2860QM remains a potent reminder of the peak of Intel's 2nd generation mobile platform, offering solid performance for legacy tasks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks make it feel snappy in basic tasks.
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Good for older games, but HD 3000 is too weak for modern ones.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Decent for basic VMs thanks to VT-x and 8MB cache.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
45W TDP in a thin chassis often leads to heat issues.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Lacks modern instruction sets
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core for its time
- Needs discrete GPU for 3D
- HD 3000 is obsolete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
- High clock speeds
- 8MB L3 cache
- Good for retro computing
- Compact BGA design
Cons
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- 45W TDP can overheat
- Obsolete graphics
- No Windows 11 support
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
Core i7-2860QM (BGA)
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2820QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2920XMRival
Mobile
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2960XMAlt
Extreme Edition with higher clocks.
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-headHigher clocked Ivy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head
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
Excellent performance for 2011, but the soldered design limits upgradability and the age shows in modern tasks.
Best for: Repairing a legacy thin laptop
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, Core i7-2860QM (BGA) or Intel Core i7-3720QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3720QM comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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, Core i7-2860QM (BGA) or Intel Core i7-3720QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3720QM leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core i7-2860QM (BGA) and Intel Core i7-3720QM.
Do Core i7-2860QM (BGA) and Intel Core i7-3720QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-2860QM (BGA): Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-3720QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2860QM (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2860QM (BGA) (5,700), Intel Core i7-3720QM (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.