Resolved Understanding "Socket 2" (rPGA988B) and BGA1224 difference? Also: 36xx/37xx

If you had to decide between the Core i7-3720QM (2.6GHz/3.6GHz max Turbo) and the Core i7-3615QM (2.3GHz/3.3GHz Turbo), is there any palpable difference?

Comparing the two with Intel's Processor Comparison tool, one of the difference is listed in "Package ". The i7-3720QM is listed as supporting both the rPGA988B socket (aka "Socket 2) as well as the BGA1224, whereas the i7-3615QM only lists the latter, BGA1224.

Just like with 1st and 2nd gen "Core i" CPU's, the 36xx and 37xx i7 Ivy Bridge series seem to have some kind of fundamental difference. Is it the quality of the chips used? Using the aforementioned examples, what am I to make of a 300MHz difference? How will I benefit or will I even notice? Some IT folks have claimed to actually experience a difference between two CPU's that are 300MHz apart. The 38xx and 39xx i7 and i7 Extreme Edition are only 100MHz apart, albeit with 8MB of L3 cache vs. 6MB on the former two, but the price difference does seems ridiculous, especially the EE one.

I'd love to get some true unbiased advice on all of the above. I've tried searching but haven't found anything that answers my questions.

Thanks in advance!

 

Really? Nobody? Boo!

 

According to Intel, the "Recommended Customer Price" is the same "TRAY: $378 ".

 

Yes, I noticed that as well after I had already posted this. However, there is still a price difference as the OEM that I am shopping with charges $150 more for the i7-3720QM, as compared to the less expensive i7-3615QM.

Intel also just released new mobile as well as desktop processors. Right on time just as they always like to do in late August/early September. The i7-3740QM clocks in at 2.7GHz and still 6MB of L3 cache and the 3840QM has 2.8GHz but with 8GB of last level cache. The overpriced-by-any-standard i7-3940XM has 2.9GHz

Aw man, decisions, decisions... (first world problems, I know, but I'm still interested in the differences or lack thereof.)

 

2.6GHz is 13+% faster than 2.3GHz. Think of it like crusing along in your auto at 70 and someone passes you doing 80. It's not a whole lot of difference but, it is noticable.

 

Thanks guys! I don't think there are a lot of people buying single CPU's directly from Intel. Consequently, I find the difference (or lack thereof) specifically on intel.com to be irrelevant.

And yes, the 3615 lacks vPro technology and the integrated HD 4000 graphics chip runs ever so slightly slower in its Turbo mode (50Mhz "difference" lol).

Due to combination of both lucky and unlucky (long, drawn out boring story) chain of events I had the initially unwanted occasion to be able to use both the 3615 and the 3720 over the course of a week. I want to say that the latter does feel slightly, but noticeably, snappier and I'm happy with it!

For SSD's, I was using an Intel 520 Series SSD, but then, due to another funny co-incidence, I came into some Samsung 830 SSD's. Boy, both of these are insanely fast, but again, I want to give a slight advantage to the 830's, at least in my usage case.

Of course, Samsung just came out with the 840 and 840 Pro SSD's and Intel is in the process of dropping the typical mid-year refresh, which would have meant a 3740 clocked at 2.7GHz for me, but that's how technology goes. haha...

My Windows 7 WEI is 7.7 for both the CPU and the RAM (16GB Samsung 1600MHz DDR3L) and 7.9 for the Samsung 830 (256GB). Imma try that Windows 8 again, if for no other reason than getting the WEI scores that extend to 9.9 in Win 8. (I know, I know...)

Muchos gracias...

 

You're more than welcome.

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