Intel Core i5-7300HQ vs Intel Core i7-3720QM Comparison

# Intel Core i5-7300HQ vs Intel Core i7-3720QM

The Intel Core i5-7300HQ and the Intel Core i7-3720QM are two mobile processors from different architectural generations. The i5-7300HQ comes from the Kaby Lake-H family, while the i7-3720QM belongs to the Ivy Bridge lineup. Both are quad-core parts aimed at performance notebooks, but they are built on different process nodes and have distinct characteristics in terms of frequency scaling, integrated graphics, and raw computational throughput. This analysis uses recorded benchmark data and the technical specifications in the database to determine where each part holds an advantage.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results in the database show a clear split between multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads, and the i7-3720QM is the stronger part in most rendering and multi-core tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7 scores 475 against the i5's 434, a 8.6% lead. The gap widens slightly in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i7 posts 1981 versus 1812, an 8.5% advantage. Cinebench R23 multi-core continues the trend: the i7-3720QM scores 4718, beating the i5-7300HQ's 4316 by 8.5%. The single-core results tell a different story. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the i5-7300HQ scores 61, narrowly beating the i7's 66. The R20 single-core result shows the same pattern, with the i5 at 255 and the i7 at 279, a 8.6% lead for the i5. The R23 single-core test gives the i5 a 609 score, a 8.6% advantage over the i7's 666.

The Geekbench results flip the script. In the multi-core test, the i5-7300HQ scores 3044, which is 23.9% higher than the i7-3720QM's 2457. The single-core Geekbench test also favors the i5, with a score of 1052 versus 726, a 44.9% margin. These are the two biggest wins in this comparison, both going to the Kaby Lake part.

Where Each One Wins

Looking at the benchmark suite as a whole, the Intel Core i7-3720QM takes six of the eight recorded tests. The i7 wins every Cinebench iteration, both multi-core and single-core. Its multi-core wins are consistent at roughly 8.5% ahead of the i5, which is a meaningful margin for rendering tasks that use all four cores. The single-core Cinebench results are close, but the i5's lead is consistent in the R15, R20, and R23 tests, with the i5 winning each by approximately 8.6%.

The Intel Core i5-7300HQ's wins are concentrated in Geekbench. It takes the multi-core test with a 23.9% lead and the single-core test with a 44.9% lead. These results suggest the i5 has a significantly more efficient per-core performance in this older benchmark suite, or that the benchmark's workload favors its architecture. Despite these large margins, the i5 loses the majority of the tests.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturing nodes and have different internal configurations. The i7-3720QM is built on a 22 nm process with a die size of 160 mm² and integrates 1,400 million transistors. The i5-7300HQ uses a more modern 14nm node with a 126 mm² die. The database does not list a transistor count for the i5, but the smaller die reflects the more advanced process. Both parts use four physical cores, but the i7-3720QM supports eight threads via Hyper-Threading, while the i5-7300HQ is a straight four-core, four-thread part.

Cache organization is identical in structure, but the i7 has a larger L1. Both have 64 KB of L1 per core on the i7 and 256 KB per core of L2, but the i7-3720QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-7300HQ also has 6 MB of shared L3, so at this level they are equal. The i7 part has a 100 MHz higher base clock and a 100 MHz higher boost clock: 2.60 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost, versus 2.50 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost. Neither part has an unlocked multiplier.

The memory controllers differ. The i7-3720QM supports dual-channel DDR3/L memory (the database does not list specific memory types for the i5), while the i5-7300HQ supports dual-channel DDR3 and DDR4. This gives the i5 a platform advantage for newer memory standards.

Integrated graphics are present on both parts, but they are different generations. The i5-7300HQ includes the Intel HD 630 graphics unit, while the i7-3720QM uses Intel HD 4000 graphics. Both parts are mobile segment parts, and the i5-7300HQ is listed as end-of-life in our database, while the i7 has no production status listed.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is better for multi-threaded rendering?

A: The Intel Core i7-3720QM. It wins all Cinebench multi-core tests by about 8.5%, scoring 475, 1981, and 4718 in R15, R20, and R23 respectively.

Q: Which CPU has the higher single-core score?

A: The Intel Core i5-7300HQ. It leads in every single-core benchmark, with a 8.6% advantage in Cinebench R23 (609 versus 666) and a 44.9% lead in Geekbench single-core (1052 versus 726).

Q: Are the Geekbench scores representative?

A: Not for the CPU's generation. The i5-7300HQ's large Geekbench wins (23.9% multi, 44.9% single) are likely due to the benchmark's workload. The Cinebench suite is more consistent with the rest of the data, and favors the i7.

Q: Do these CPUs support the same memory?

A: No. The i7-3720QM supports dual-channel DDR3, while the i5-7300HQ supports dual-channel DDR3 and DDR4.

Q: Which CPU has the larger L3 cache?

A: Both have the same 6 MB shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the manufacturing process difference?

A: The i7-3720QM is built on 22nm with a 160 mm² die and 1,400 million transistors. The i5-7300HQ is built on 14nm with a 126 mm² die.

Specification Differences

The table below summarizes the key differences between the two CPUs from the database.

| Specification | Intel Core i5-7300HQ | Intel Core i7-3720QM |

|---|---|---|

| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |

| Base / Boost Clock | 2.50 / 3.50 GHz | 2.60 / 3.60 GHz |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 22 nm |

| Die Size | 126 mm² | 160 mm² |

| Transistors | Not listed | 1,400 million |

| Cache L1 / L2 / L3 | 64 KB / 256 KB / 6 MB | 64 KB / 256 KB / 6 MB |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 630 | Intel HD 4000 |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1440 | Intel BGA 1224 |

| Part Number | SR32S | SR0MM |

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to a clear split. The Intel Core i7-3720QM is the stronger all-round CPU for heavily threaded tasks, winning the Cinebench suite across the board with a consistent 8.5% lead. It is the part to choose for video encoding, 3D rendering, or other workloads that can use eight threads. Its older architecture and larger process node do not hold it back in these tests.

The Intel Core i5-7300HQ wins the Geekbench tests with large margins, 23.9% in multi-core and 44.9% in single-core. This suggests it has a more efficient core design for latency-sensitive workloads in that particular benchmark. It is the better choice for general desktop responsiveness, legacy, and single-threaded applications. However, it loses every multi-core Cinebench test.

In a notebook, the i7-3720QM is the safer pick for sustained multithreaded performance. Choose the i5-7300HQ if your software workload is dominated by short bursts of single-threaded work, or if you need DDR4 memory support.