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Intel Core i7-3740QM

Intel Core i7-3740QM in 2025: Is It Worth Considering an Outdated Processor?

A Detailed Analysis for Practical Choice

Architecture and Process Technology: The Legacy of Ivy Bridge

The Intel Core i7-3740QM processor, released in 2013, belongs to the third generation of Intel Core processors (codename Ivy Bridge). This is an evolutionary upgrade of the Sandy Bridge architecture, but with key changes:

- 22-nm Process Technology: For the first time, Intel used 3D Tri-Gate transistors, which allowed for a 20–30% reduction in power consumption while maintaining similar performance to the previous generation.

- 4 cores and 8 threads: Hyper-Threading support provided parallel task processing. The base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with a turbo mode of up to 3.7 GHz (for a single core).

- Integrated Graphics HD Graphics 4000: Featuring 16 execution units with a frequency range of 650–1300 MHz. For 2013, this was a decent iGPU capable of running games at 720p on low settings.

Architecture Features:

- Support for PCIe 3.0, DDR3L-1600 MHz, USB 3.0.

- Virtualization technologies (VT-x, VT-d) and hardware encryption (AES-NI).

Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Heat

The processor’s TDP is 45 W, which is typical for high-end mobile CPUs from the early 2010s. In comparison, modern processors like the Intel Core i5-1340P (28 W) consume less power for similar performance.

Cooling Issues:

In laptops from 2012–2014 (e.g., Dell Latitude 6530 or Lenovo ThinkPad T530), the cooling system often struggled under prolonged loads. Running in turbo mode for more than 10–15 minutes could result in throttling (frequency reduction due to overheating).

Advice for 2025:

If you are buying a used laptop with this CPU, replace the thermal paste and clean the cooler. This will improve operational stability.

Performance in 2025: What Can the i7-3740QM Do?

According to Geekbench 6 results:

- Single-Core: 648

- Multi-Core: 2146

Real Tasks:

1. Office Work: A browser with 10+ tabs, Word, Excel — the processor can handle it, but there may be lag when starting Zoom simultaneously.

2. Multimedia:

- Video conversion in HandBrake (1080p → 720p): ~30–40 minutes for a 1-hour file.

- Photo editing in Lightroom: Acceptable for basic retouching, but Neural Filters in Photoshop will work slowly.

3. Gaming:

- On integrated graphics: CS:GO — 40–50 FPS (720p, low settings), GTA V — 25–30 FPS (720p).

- With an external GPU (e.g., GTX 1650 via Thunderbolt): Fortnite can be run on medium settings (1080p, 60 FPS), but this is rare for laptops with PCIe 2.0.

Turbo Boost:

The maximum frequency of 3.7 GHz is achieved only under load on 1–2 cores. In multi-threaded scenarios (rendering, encoding), the frequency drops to 3.2–3.4 GHz.

Use Scenarios: Who Is It Suitable For in 2025?

1. Budget Tasks:

- Students: Document work, online courses.

- Retirees: Surfing, email, YouTube videos.

2. Retro Gaming: Running games from 2005–2013 (Half-Life 2, Skyrim).

3. Server Tasks: Home media server based on Linux (Plex, NAS).

Who It Doesn’t Suit:

- Designers working with 3D models.

- Gamers expecting 60 FPS in Apex Legends.

Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?

Average battery life of laptops with the i7-3740QM in 2025:

- 4–5 hours (web surfing, office) with a new battery.

- 1.5–2 hours under load (gaming, rendering).

Power Saving Technologies:

- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamic frequency adjustment.

- C-states: Deactivation of unused cores.

Advice: Replace HDD with SSD (e.g., Kingston A400) — this will reduce overall system power consumption by 10–15%.

Comparison with Competitors

1. AMD A10-5750M (2013):

- 4 cores, 3.5 GHz, TDP 35 W.

- Weaker in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: ~450).

2. Intel Core i5-1135G7 (2020):

- 4 cores/8 threads, Single-Core: 1500, TDP 28 W.

- 2.3 times faster in single-threaded tasks.

3. Apple M1 (2020):

- Single-Core: 2300, Multi-Core: 8300, TDP 15 W.

Conclusion: The i7-3740QM lags behind modern processors even in the budget segment but can be an alternative for tasks where multi-threading is important and the budget is limited.

Pros and Cons

Strengths:

- High multi-threaded performance for its time.

- Support for 32 GB RAM (relevant for virtualization).

- Low cost for used laptops ($100–200).

Weaknesses:

- Lack of support for DDR4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6.

- High power consumption.

- Outdated graphics.

Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop

1. Type of Device:

- Workstation: Lenovo ThinkPad W530 — robust build, easily upgradable.

- Universal Laptop: Dell Precision M4700 — support for discrete graphics.

2. What to Look for:

- Essential: SSD instead of HDD, 8+ GB RAM.

- Check battery condition (using programs like BatteryInfoView).

- Avoid models with damaged ports (especially Thunderbolt).

Final Conclusion

The Intel Core i7-3740QM in 2025 is suitable for those who need:

- A budget PC for basic tasks (office, YouTube, light development).

- A test bench for learning hardware.

- A retro system for running old games and software.

Key Benefits:

- Price under $200 for a ready laptop.

- Upgradeability (RAM, SSD).

- Reliability of the Ivy Bridge platform.

Alternative for New Devices: Consider laptops with Intel Core i3-1215U ($400–500) — they are three times faster and support modern standards.

If you are willing to compromise on limitations for savings, the i7-3740QM can still serve you well. However, for serious work or gaming, it’s better to invest in more modern hardware.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Mobile

Launch Date

July 2012

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

i7-3740QM

Code Name

Ivi Bridge

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

2.70 GHz

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

3.70 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency

3.70 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

2.0

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCBGA1224 | FCPGA988

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

22 nm

TDP

45 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

105 C

PCI Express Version

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

3.0

Number of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

Intel 64

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Yes

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

PCI Express Configurations

PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.

1x16 | 2x8 | 1x8 2x4

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

32 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Bus Speed

5 GT/s

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

25.6 GB/s

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

GPU Specifications

GPU Name

Intel® HD Graphics 4000

Graphics Base Frequency

Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.

650 MHz

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

1.30 GHz

Number of Displays Supported

Graphics Output

Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.

eDP/DP/HDMI/SDVO/CRT

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Instruction Set Extensions

Intel® AVX

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.

Yes

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

6 MB Intel® Smart Cache

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Intel Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.

Yes

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel InTru 3D Technology

Yes

Intel Flex Memory Access

Yes

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

648

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

2146

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

729

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

2764

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

1882

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

5707

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

Core i3-6100U

747 +15.3%

Pentium G4400

693 +6.9%

Core i7-3740QM

648

Pentium G3460

613 -5.4%

Xeon X5687

572 -11.7%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

Core i7-7567U

2587 +20.5%

Core i7-3770

2395 +11.6%

Core i7-3740QM

2146

Xeon E5-4650

1962 -8.6%

Core i5-6360U

1810 -15.7%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Core i5-4570R

764 +4.8%

Xeon E3-1225 v2

743 +1.9%

Core i7-3740QM

729

Athlon Gold 3150U

706 -3.2%

Xeon E5-2650 v3

683 -6.3%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

FX-8350

3053 +10.5%

Core i5-2500K

2898 +4.8%

Core i7-3740QM

2764

Xeon W-2245

2646 -4.3%

Xeon E5649

2512 -9.1%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Xeon E5-2640

1943 +3.2%

Core i7-3840QM

1911 +1.5%

Core i7-3740QM

1882

Athlon PRO 200GE

1838 -2.3%

Xeon E5-4660 v4

1805 -4.1%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Xeon E5-1428L v2

6255 +9.6%

Ryzen Embedded R2314

6031 +5.7%

Core i7-3740QM

5707

Core i5-6402P

5447 -4.6%

Core i7-3630QM

5122 -10.3%