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Intel Core i7 3740QM Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£330
  • PassMark benchmark result: 5708
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.7 GHz

Intel Core i7 3740QM review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.5

Technical Score

10.0%

7.2

User score

Poor
3.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

2.9

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.8

Platform

1.0%

6.8

Integrated Graphics

Poor
7.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.5

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(4)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 2.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.7

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.7

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.6

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i7-3740qm
intel-core-i7-3740qm

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Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a high-end, 3rd-generation mobile processor based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring 4 physical cores and 8 threads via Hyper-Threading technology. It operates at a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz with a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz, supported by 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache and a 45W TDP. Key advantages include its strong multi-threaded performance for its era, support for up to 32 GB of DDR3/L-1600 memory, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. However, its primary drawbacks are its discontinued status, lack of official support for Windows 11, and a locked multiplier that restricts overclocking capabilities.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3740QM

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

2.9

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.8

Platform

1.0%

6.8

Integrated Graphics

3.5
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a technical score of 3.54 points, which is lower than that of 93.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.5

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(4)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.2
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a user score of 7.16 points, which is lower than that of 94.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.7
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a popularity of 1.7 points, which is higher than 74.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.4
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 88.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i7 3740QM belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCPGA988
Intel Core i7 3740QM uses the FCPGA988 CPU socket, which is older than that of 62.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75
Intel Core i7 3740QM supports QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 54.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 3740QM uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 3740QM has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 3740QM offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 3740QM offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 3740QM reaches a boost clock of 3.7 GHz which is lower than that of 72.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a base clock of 4x2.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i7 3740QM uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i7 3740QM is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i7 3740QM has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 3740QM has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 3740QM has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i7 3740QM supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3740QM supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3740QM supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i7 3740QM supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 3740QM includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 4000
Intel Core i7 3740QM uses the Intel HD Graphics 4,000 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 69.5% and equal to that in 2.9%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

16
Intel Core i7 3740QM has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

650 MHz
Intel Core i7 3740QM has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 3740QM supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 51.1% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

45 W
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a boost power of 45 W which is lower than that of 70.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 3740QM has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 3740QM does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 3740QM vs the average processor

  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 29.7% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (45 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (45 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.45 W vs 64 W
  • 65.4% more popular
    Intel Core i7 3740QM is more popular than the average processor (1.65 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i7 3740QM is more popular than the average processor (1.65 vs 1,000).1.65 vs 1
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
    When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=350 MHz

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 29.7% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (45 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.

Total
Overall
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has an older release date than the average processor (2012 vs 2020).
    September 2,012
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 3740QM supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 3740QM does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older TPM support
    Intel Core i7 3740QM supports an older TPM version than the average processor (TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2.0).
  • 55.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (656 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 24.2% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,883 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 14% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 55.3% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,144 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 45.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,708 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 28.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,986 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 3740QM uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i7 3740QM uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3740QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 75% less memory per DIMM
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (8 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 3740QM uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 3740QM does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 55.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (656 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (656 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.656 vs 1,471
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
  • 24.2% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,883 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,883 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,883 vs 2,483
  • 14% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 55.3% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,144 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,144 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.2,144 vs 4,793
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3740QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i7 3740QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Intel Core i7 3740QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3740QM and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
4 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3740QM?

  • Fast quad-core performance with 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading
  • Solid multitasking capabilities for heavy workloads like programming and video editing
  • Respectable turbo boost speeds up to 3.7 GHz for single-core tasks
  • Significant performance upgrade over contemporary i3, i5, and lower-tier i7 dual-core mobile processors
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 can handle basic tasks and some older multiplayer games like CS:GO or Dota

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3740QM?

  • High Thermal Design Power (45W TDP) can lead to significant overheating in older or poorly cooled laptops
  • Lacks official support for Windows 11, requiring workarounds for newer operating systems
  • Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking for enthusiast users
  • Struggles with modern 3D gaming and VR due to outdated integrated graphics
  • Considered a 'dead platform' by modern standards, offering no meaningful future upgrade path without a motherboard swap

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel i7-2820QM vs i7-3740QM - CPU Benchmarks Would you like a performance comparison between this chip and a specific modern processor, or are you lo...

The Intel Core i7-3740QM (Ivy Bridge) offers a significant performance upgrade over the i7-2820QM (Sandy Bridge), delivering approximately 31% higher multi-threaded performance and 26% faster single-thread speeds, according to PassMark benchmarks. The 3740QM operates at higher base and boost clocks (2.7-3.7 GHz) and introduces superior PCIe 3.0 support and HD Graphics 4000, while...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
17/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3740QM - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge mobile processor from late 2012, featuring four cores, eight threads, a 2.7 GHz base clock, and 3.7 GHz turbo, offering consistent, albeit dated, performance suitable for general tasks. While delivering robust multi-threaded performance and supporting advanced instructions, its 45W TDP is less efficient than modern alternatives. With a...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3740QM Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge mobile quad-core processor featuring a 2.7 GHz base clock, Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz, and Hyper-Threading for efficient multitasking. Key pros include robust multi-threaded performance, support for PCIe 3.0, and 3D transistors that improved energy efficiency over previous generations. However, cons include a high 45W TDP requiring...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
20/05/2025
Intel Core i7-3740QM @ 2.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge mobile processor featuring four cores, eight threads, and a 2.70 GHz base clock, delivering strong, high-performance multitasking for its era. With a 45W TDP, it offers a 10-12% performance increase over the i7-3630QM, providing a viable, high-speed upgrade path for Socket G2-compatible laptops. Key advantages include robust...Read more

N
notebookcheck.com
01/07/2023
Intel Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-3740QM - Notebookcheck Comparison Test

The Intel Core i7-3840QM and i7-3740QM are high-performance 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core processors featuring Hyper-Threading and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. The i7-3840QM operates at 2.8 GHz with 8 MB of L3 cache, holding a slight 5% performance advantage over the 2.7 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache i7-3740QM. Both chips support PCIe 3.0 and DDR3L-1600 memory, making them suitable for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.com
14/08/2012
Intel Core i7-3740QM Laptop Processor - Notebookcheck.net Technical Reviews

The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core laptop processor featuring a 2.7 GHz base clock, boosting up to 3.7 GHz, and 3D transistors for improved efficiency. It provides a roughly 5% performance-per-clock increase over Sandy Bridge, supporting DDR3(L)-1600 memory and PCIe 3.0, with integrated HD Graphics 4000 delivering strong entry-level GPU performance. While...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
30/03/2026
Intel Ivy Bridge: New mobile processors coming soon

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, featured in this CPU-Z validation, is a high-end 8-core, 16-thread processor based on the Zen 5 architecture, boasting a 4.7 GHz base clock and 5.2 GHz boost. It features second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, providing 96MB of L3 cache to significantly reduce latency and boost gaming performance. Amazon.comKey advantages of the 9800X3D include...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
silicon.es
04/02/2013
MOUNTAIN Studio 3D 17 Ivy Laptop: A Spanish-born beast ideal for professionals (Review)

The Mountain Studio 3D 17 Ivy is a high-performance Spanish-engineered workstation designed for demanding 3D rendering and video editing, offering desktop-level power in a 17-inch portable format. It features robust build quality, excellent thermal management, and a high-quality display, making it a reliable tool for professional visual tasks. However, the laptop's significant bulk,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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