Intel Core i7-3740QM vs Intel Core i7-3820QM Comparison

These two 45 W Ivy Bridge mobile processors are nearly identical on paper, but the benchmark data reveals a subtle split in performance. The Intel Core i7-3740QM is the newer release, and it shows a small but consistent advantage in Cinebench workloads, while the Intel Core i7-3820QM fights back in Geekbench tests. For a laptop user, the differences are minor, but they are consistent enough to guide a choice depending on the application.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking pattern in the head-to-head results is the near-total victory for the i7-3740QM in rendering tests. Across every Cinebench iteration, the i7-3740QM posts a higher score. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-3740QM scores 489 against the i7-3820QM’s 481, a delta of -1.6% from the i7-3820QM’s perspective. The single-core R15 result is similar: 69 versus 67, a -2.9% delta. This trend continues with Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i7-3740QM scores 2040 versus 2006 (-1.7%), and single-core at 288 versus 283 (-1.7%). The gap holds steady in Cinebench R23 multi-core (4859 versus 4777, -1.7%) and single-core (686 versus 674, -1.7%). The data shows a consistent edge for the i7-3740QM in these threaded and lightly-threaded render tasks, with the difference hovering around 1.6% to 1.7% in most cases.

The i7-3820QM, however, claims both Geekbench victories. In Geekbench multi-core, it scores 2041 against the i7-3740QM’s 1993, a 2.4% advantage. The single-core result is much closer: 601 versus 599, a 0.3% lead for the i7-3820QM. This split is notable because it suggests the two CPUs have different strengths depending on the benchmark methodology. The i7-3740QM wins six of the eight head-to-head tests, but the i7-3820QM’s two wins include a more decisive multi-core margin in Geekbench.

Looking at the average benchmark scores, the i7-3740QM holds a narrow overall lead with an average score of 1378, compared to the i7-3820QM’s 1366. Both sit in the 36th percentile of all CPUs, meaning they are in the same performance tier. The nearest rivals for the i7-3820QM include the Intel Xeon D-1521 and Xeon E5-1410 v2, with deltas of -0.1% and -0.2%, respectively, indicating the i7-3820QM is essentially tied with those server chips. The i7-3740QM’s nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1200, with a delta of 0%, and the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U at -0.1%. These rival comparisons reinforce that both chips perform at a similar level, with the i7-3740QM just edging ahead on aggregate.

Where Each One Wins

The data indicates that the i7-3740QM is the better choice for Cinebench-style workloads, which are typically used in 3D rendering and animation. Its consistent lead across R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests suggests a slight advantage in heavily threaded tasks, though the margin is small. The i7-3740QM’s wins are all in the Cinebench suite, making it the pick for users who prioritize render performance in applications like Cinema 4D.

The i7-3820QM, conversely, wins in Geekbench, which is a more general-purpose benchmark covering a mix of integer, floating-point, and memory tasks. Its 2.4% lead in Geekbench multi-core is the largest delta among all tests, indicating a more pronounced advantage in this synthetic mixed workload. The single-core Geekbench win is marginal at 0.3%, but it still counts. For users running a broad range of productivity applications, the i7-3820QM might offer a slightly better experience, especially in tasks that Geekbench models.

In practical terms, neither chip has a decisive edge. The i7-3740QM wins six out of eight tests, but the i7-3820QM’s two wins include the biggest single delta. The i7-3740QM’s average score of 1378 versus 1366 means it is about 0.9% faster on average across all benchmarks. That is within the margin of error for most workloads, but the consistency of the Cinebench results suggests it is not a fluke.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental design. They are built on the Ivy Bridge architecture, fabricated on a 22 nm process node at Intel’s foundry. Each has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The transistor count is identical at 1,400 million, and the die size is the same at 160 mm². Both use the Intel BGA 1224 socket, have a 45 W TDP, and integrate Intel HD 4000 graphics. Neither supports ECC memory, and both have a dual-channel memory bus.

The only architectural difference in the FACT PACK is the L3 cache size. The i7-3820QM has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-3740QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. This is a significant difference on paper, as a larger cache typically helps with data reuse and can improve performance in certain workloads. The L1 and L2 caches are identical: 64 KB per core and 256 KB per core, respectively.

The release dates differ. The i7-3820QM was released on 2012-04-28, while the i7-3740QM came later on 2012-09-02. This gap of several months may explain the performance differences, as the i7-3740QM could have benefited from a refined manufacturing process or firmware improvements, even though the node and architecture are the same.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i7-3740QM scores 4859 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, beating the i7-3820QM’s 4777 by 1.7%.

Q: Does the i7-3820QM ever win a multi-core test?

A: Yes, the i7-3820QM wins Geekbench multi-core with a score of 2041, which is 2.4% higher than the i7-3740QM’s 1993.

Q: Are the clock speeds the same on both chips?

A: Yes, both have a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The i7-3820QM has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-3740QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which CPU has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The i7-3740QM has an average score of 1378, which is higher than the i7-3820QM’s 1366.

Q: Do both CPUs use the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both integrate Intel HD 4000 graphics.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs are identical in most specifications, with the only differences being the L3 cache size, release date, and part number.

| Specification | Intel Core i7-3820QM | Intel Core i7-3740QM |

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

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Release Date | 2012-04-28 | 2012-09-02 |

| Part Number | SR0MK | null |

All other listed specifications match: 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.70 GHz base clock, 3.70 GHz boost clock, 45 W TDP, Intel BGA 1224 socket, Ivy Bridge architecture, 22 nm process, 1,400 million transistors, 160 mm² die size, dual-channel memory bus, no ECC support, Intel HD 4000 graphics, mobile market segment, and locked multiplier.

The Verdict

The benchmark data suggests that the Intel Core i7-3740QM is the better all-around performer. It wins six out of eight head-to-head tests, including all Cinebench iterations, and holds a higher average benchmark score of 1378 versus 1366. The consistent 1.7% lead in Cinebench R20 and R23 multi-core tests indicates a real, if small, advantage in rendering workloads. For a laptop user, this translates to a slightly faster experience in 3D modeling and video rendering applications.

The Intel Core i7-3820QM is not without merit. Its 2.4% lead in Geekbench multi-core is the largest margin in any test, and its 0.3% single-core win shows it is not entirely outclassed. The i7-3820QM also has a larger L3 cache at 8 MB versus 6 MB, which should theoretically help in data-heavy workloads, yet the benchmark results do not reflect a consistent advantage from this. The Geekbench win suggests the i7-3820QM might be preferable for general productivity suites that mimic Geekbench’s mixed workload.

Given the choice between the two, the i7-3740QM is the safer pick. The data shows it wins the majority of tests, and its average score is higher. The i7-3820QM should only be considered if the specific applications you run are more aligned with Geekbench’s performance model, where it shows a clear edge. Otherwise, the i7-3740QM’s consistent Cinebench dominance makes it the better option for most users. Both are in the 36th percentile of all CPUs, so neither is a high-performance part by modern standards, but within this pairing, the i7-3740QM has the edge.