Intel Core i3-4150 vs Intel Core i7-2720QM Comparison

The Intel Core i7-2720QM and the Intel Core i3-4150 are both end-of-life Intel processors, but they target different segments. The i7-2720QM is a mobile part from the Sandy Bridge generation, while the i3-4150 is a desktop chip from the Haswell generation. Despite the i3’s newer architecture and higher clock speed, the benchmark data reveals a split: the i7-2720QM wins in Cinebench tests, while the i3-4150 dominates in Geekbench. The overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the i7-2720QM at 1128 and the i3-4150 at 1119, placing both in the 32nd percentile of all CPUs. This close overall performance masks significant differences in workload characteristics.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-2720QM is the clear winner in multi-threaded rendering workloads. In the Cinebench suite, it outperforms the i3-4150 across every test. The largest margin is in Cinebench R20 single-core, where the i7 leads by 18.8%. For multi-core tasks, the i7 maintains a consistent edge, with deltas of 18.6% in R15, 18.4% in R20, and 18.3% in R23. This pattern suggests that the i7’s four cores and eight threads provide a substantial advantage in heavily threaded applications like 3D rendering. The data shows that the i7-2720QM is the better choice for users running Cinebench-style workloads, where sustained multi-core performance is critical.

The Intel Core i3-4150, in contrast, wins decisively in Geekbench tests. Its Geekbench multi-core score of 1896 is 19% higher than the i7’s 1535. The single-core gap is even more pronounced: the i3 scores 968 versus the i7’s 484, a 50% advantage. This indicates that the i3-4150 excels in workloads that rely on per-core performance, such as many everyday applications, older games, or lightly threaded productivity tools. The i3’s higher base clock of 3.50 GHz, compared to the i7’s 2.20 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost, likely drives this single-core superiority. For tasks that do not scale well across multiple cores, the i3-4150 is the stronger performer.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The i7-2720QM is based on Sandy Bridge, built on a 32 nm process node. It contains 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die. The i3-4150 uses the Haswell architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process, with 1,400 million transistors on a smaller 177 mm² die. This newer process node allows the i3 to pack more transistors into less space, contributing to its higher efficiency per core.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The i7-2720QM has four physical cores and eight threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading. The i3-4150 has only two cores and four threads. Despite having half the physical cores, the i3 manages to stay competitive in average scores due to its higher clock speed and newer architecture. The i7’s extra cores are the primary reason it wins in multi-threaded Cinebench tests.

Cache configurations also diverge. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core. However, the i7-2720QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-4150 has only 3 MB. This larger L3 cache on the i7 helps when working with datasets that exceed the smaller cache, potentially reducing memory latency in multi-threaded scenarios.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-2720QM features Intel HD 3000, while the i3-4150 includes Intel HD 4400. The newer HD 4400 benefits from the Haswell generation’s graphics improvements, but the benchmark data does not include graphics tests, so any performance difference is not quantified here. Memory support also varies: the i3-4150 supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the i7-2720QM’s memory support is not listed in the database. The i3 also has PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7’s PCIe information is absent.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench results consistently favor the i7-2720QM. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7 scores 344 against the i3’s 290, a delta of 18.6%. Moving to Cinebench R20, the i7 records 1435 versus 1212, an 18.4% lead. The single-core Cinebench R20 test shows the i7 at 202 and the i3 at 170, an 18.8% margin. In Cinebench R23, the i7 achieves 3417 multi-core and 482 single-core, while the i3 manages 2888 and 407 respectively, with deltas of 18.3% and 18.4%. These results are remarkably consistent, suggesting that the i7’s advantage in Cinebench is structural, likely due to its additional cores and threads.

The Geekbench results tell the opposite story. In Geekbench multi-core, the i3-4150 scores 1896, which is 19% higher than the i7-2720QM’s 1535. The single-core Geekbench test is the most lopsided result in the entire comparison: the i3 scores 968, exactly double the i7’s 484, resulting in a 50% delta. This massive single-core advantage indicates that the i3’s architecture is far more efficient at executing instructions on a single thread, which is a common pattern when comparing newer desktop chips to older mobile parts.

The overall win count is 5 for the i7-2720QM and 2 for the i3-4150, based on the seven head-to-head tests. However, the magnitude of the i3’s wins, particularly the 50% single-core Geekbench margin, offsets the i7’s more numerous but smaller Cinebench victories. The average benchmark scores reflect this balance: 1128 for the i7 and 1119 for the i3, a difference of less than 1%.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Core i7-2720QM is faster in all Cinebench multi-core tests. It scores 344 in R15, 1435 in R20, and 3417 in R23, while the i3-4150 scores 290, 1212, and 2888 respectively. The i7 leads by 18.3% to 18.6% in these tests.

Q: Why does the Intel Core i3-4150 win in Geekbench?

A: The i3-4150 has a much higher base clock of 3.50 GHz, whereas the i7-2720QM has a 2.20 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost. This clock advantage, combined with the newer Haswell architecture, gives the i3 a 19% lead in Geekbench multi-core and a 50% lead in single-core.

Q: Do the two processors have the same number of cores?

A: No. The i7-2720QM has four cores and eight threads, while the i3-4150 has two cores and four threads. The i7’s extra cores help it win multi-threaded Cinebench workloads.

Q: What is the difference in process technology?

A: The i7-2720QM uses a 32 nm process with 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die. The i3-4150 uses a 22 nm process with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The i3’s smaller and denser process node contributes to its higher per-core performance.

Q: How do their overall benchmark averages compare?

A: The i7-2720QM has an average benchmark score of 1128, and the i3-4150 has an average of 1119. Both sit in the 32nd percentile of all CPUs, indicating near-identical overall performance.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The i7-2720QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-4150 has 3 MB. The i7’s larger cache may benefit multi-threaded workloads, but the Geekbench results show the i3 still wins in that suite.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The i7-2720QM has four cores and eight threads, while the i3-4150 has two cores and four threads. Base clocks are 2.20 GHz for the i7 and 3.50 GHz for the i3. The i7 has a boost clock of 3.30 GHz, while the i3 has no boost clock listed. Thermal design power (TDP) is 45 watts for the i7 and 54 watts for the i3, making the mobile i7 more power-efficient despite having more cores.

Sockets are incompatible: the i7 uses Intel BGA 1224, while the i3 uses Intel Socket 1150. The architectures differ, with the i7 on Sandy Bridge and the i3 on Haswell. Process nodes are 32 nm for the i7 and 22 nm for the i3. Transistor counts are 1,160 million for the i7 and 1,400 million for the i3. Die sizes are 216 mm² for the i7 and 177 mm² for the i3.

Cache sizes differ, with the i7 having 6 MB of shared L3 cache and the i3 having 3 MB. Integrated graphics are Intel HD 3000 for the i7 and Intel HD 4400 for the i3. The i3 supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, while the i7’s memory support is not listed. The i3 has PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7’s PCIe information is absent. The i3 has a launch MSRP of $117, while the i7 has no listed launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear use-case split. The Intel Core i7-2720QM is the better choice for multi-threaded rendering workloads, as evidenced by its consistent wins across the Cinebench suite. Its four cores, eight threads, and 6 MB of L3 cache provide a 18.3% to 18.8% advantage in these tests. Users running Cinebench or similar heavily threaded applications should prefer the i7-2720QM.

The Intel Core i3-4150 is the better choice for single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads. Its Geekbench single-core score of 968 is double the i7’s 484, and its multi-core Geekbench score is 19% higher. The i3’s 3.50 GHz base clock and newer Haswell architecture make it superior for tasks that rely on per-core performance, such as many everyday applications and older or less parallelized software.

For users who need a balanced processor for varied workloads, the average benchmark scores are nearly identical: 1128 for the i7 and 1119 for the i3. The decision ultimately hinges on the specific applications. The i7-2720QM suits multi-core rendering, while the i3-4150 suits single-core performance. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not an option. Both are end-of-life products, so availability may be limited. The i3-4150’s launch MSRP of $117 provides a reference point, but the i7 has no such figure. Based strictly on the recorded data, the i7-2720QM wins on thread-heavy tasks, and the i3-4150 wins on clock-sensitive tasks.