Intel Core i7-3720QM socket: Socket G2

What the Core i7-3720QM is

Intel Core i7-3720QM is a quad core Ivy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in April 2012 for socketed performance laptops. It runs at 2.6 GHz base with turbo to 3.6 GHz, with 6 MB Intel Smart Cache and Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Power is rated at 45 W on a 22 nm process. Four cores with high clocks made it a mobile workstation favorite for threaded work.

Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 4000 at 650 MHz to 1250 MHz. The block covers office displays, while quad laptops usually add a discrete GPU for 3D and CUDA style work. Memory is DDR3, DDR3L and DDR3-RS at 1333 or 1600 MT/s for up to 32 GB, with virtualization and AES for lab images.

Higher base than early QM quads gives strong all core throughput. Laptops pair it with HM77 or QM77, two SODIMMs and discrete graphics. All core loads sit near 2.6 GHz, while bursts reach 3.6 GHz. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm the socketed form.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i7-3720QM fits Socket G2 as an FCPGA988 part at 37.5 × 37.5 mm. It also ships soldered on BGA 1224 at 31.0 × 24.0 mm, and Intel documents both packages for this SKU. Match the sSpec on the lid to the board, since PGA and BGA never interchange. The BIOS must list the exact 3720QM string with quad power tables.

Boards are Socket G2 quad capable designs with mobile 7 series chipsets. At 45 W the chip needs a quad rated heatsink with full pipes. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains why the maker list decides the result.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR3, DDR3L and DDR3-RS at 1333 or 1600 MT/s, two channels, up to 32 GB for 25.6 GB/s. Two matched 8 GB modules were the common quad fit, feeding eight threads and shared graphics. ECC is not supported.

PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 3.0, split as 1x16, 2x8 or 1x8 plus 2x4. Performance laptops wire lanes to a discrete GPU plus SSDs and Wi-Fi. Integrated graphics drive the panel when switching saves power.

Cooling is board specific for 45 W with a 105 C junction class. Quad heat needs clean fans and full coverage. A repaste during service often restores the 3.6 GHz single core peak.

Upgrade paths

On Socket G2 the Core i7-3720QM can move to faster QM quads where cooling and BIOS allow it, such as Intel Core i7-3740QM with higher clocks. Memory, storage and the discrete GPU carry over in most swaps. The soldered twin on BGA 1224 is never an upgrade target.

A platform change means a new performance laptop on a newer BGA package. Keep the current quad for threaded work where eight Ivy threads still meet the need.